Meanwhile in the Caribbean......Christmas is close, but that means carnival is coming closer!

If you are a native of the Caribbean or are friends with a Caribbean native, you would know that Christmas is just a pit stop on the way to Carnival, the largest most beautiful display of Caribbean culture, individual to every respective island.

Here is a little run down of the Carnival festivals to come in 2017:

• November 18th - January 8th, 2017

St. Kitts

• Decemeber 26th - January 3rd, 2017

St. Croix (Crucian Christmas Carnival)

• January 1st, 2017

Montserrat | Montserrat Annual Festival

• January 2nd - February 28th, 2017

Aruba

• January 28th & April 23rd, 2017 Tampa, Florida
• February 19th - 28th, 2017

Curacao (Fudeka)

• February 24th - 28th, 2017

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

• February 25th - 28th, 2017

Barranquilla, Colombia

• February 27th & 28th, 2017

Panama

• February 27th & 28th, 2017

Trinidad & Tobago | 2016 Schedule

• February 27th & 28th, 2017

Dominica

• February 27th & 28th, 2017

Ecuador

• February 28th, 2017

New Orleans, LA

• February 28th, 2017

Guyana (Mashramani)

• April 15th - April 23rd, 2017

Bacchanal Jamaica

• April 1st - 29th, 2017

St. Thomas (V.I.)

• April 17th - May 3rd, 2017

St. Marteen

• April 29th - May 6th, 2017

Cayman Islands (Batabano)

• May 4th - 6th, 2017 Bahamas Junkanoo (Nassau)

Bahamas Junkanoo (Nassau)

• May 27th, 2017

Atlanta, Georgia

• May 27th, 2017 Orlando, Florida
• May 26th - 28th, 2017 Pheonix, Arizona
• May 27th - 28th, 2017 San Francisco, California
• Jun 1st - 4th, 2017

Columbia, SC (Carolina's Caribbean Culture Festival)

• Jun 2nd - 5th, 2017

Berlin, Germany (Karneval der Kulturen / Carnival of Cultures)

• Jun 29 - Jul 3rd, 2017

Houston, Texas (Houston Caribbean Festival)

• June 16th - 19th, 2017 Bermuda Carnival (Bermuda Heroes Weekend)
• June 17th 2017 (TBD)

Ottawa (Carivibe Festival)

• June 2017 (TBD) Hollywood, CA (Los Angles Culture Festival)
• June 22nd - 25th, 2017 Charleston Carifest, SC
• July 2nd - Aug 2nd 2017

Montreal, Canada (Carifest)

• July 2017 (TBD)

Baltimore/Washington DC ONE Caribbean Carnival

• July 13th - 17th, 2017

Atlantic City, New Jersey

• July 14th - 19th, 2017

St. Lucia (Lucian Carnival)

• July 27th - August 8th, 2017

Nevis (Culturama)

• July 29th 2017

Rotterdam (Zomer Carnival)

• July 22nd, 2017

Jersey City, New Jersey

• July 22nd & 23rd, 2017

Vancouver, BC

• July 28th - Aug 8th, 2017

Antigua

• August 2nd - 6th, 2017

Toronto (Caribana)

• August 2nd - 7th, 2017

Barbados (Crop Over)

• August 3rd - 6th, 2017

Bermuda Cup Match | FB

• August 3rd - 13th, 2017 Anguilla Summer Festival
• August 10th - 15th, 2017

Grenada (Spicemas)

• August 10th -13th, 2017 Jacksonville, Florida
• August 11th -13th, 2017

Detroit, Michigan

• August 12th, 2017

Norfolk, Virginia (Caribfest)

• August 19th, 2017 Chicago, Illinois (Windy City)
• August (TBD) Hartford (Connecticut)
• August 19th, 2017

Boston, Massachusetts

• August (TBD)

Calgary (Carifest), AB, Canada

• August 27th - 28th, 2017

Notting Hill (London, UK)

• August 31 - September 4, 2017 New York (Labor Day)
• October 5th - 9th, 2017 Miami-Broward ONE Carnival, Florida
• November 10th - 20th, 2016

Cayman Pirates Week (Grand Cayman)

#MakeAmericaStrongagain

Barbados Food and Rum Festival

Celebrate life on the beautiful shores of the Caribbean sea at the Barbados Food and Rum Festival. As the name boasts, this festival showcases the best culinary and epicurean delights the gorgeous island nation has to offer. Best of all, the festival takes places across various happening venues throughout the islands all with their own theme, live entertainment and more.

THE BARBADOS FOOD AND RUM FESTIVAL 2016

Barbados is often referred to as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean. The Barbados Food and Rum Festival has given birth to a series of events, or better yet – culinary and beverage experiences – designed to tantalize the taste buds, while offering a variety of other colourful and flavourful experiences to stimulate the other senses as well.

THE CHEFS

At this years' Barbados Food and Rum Festival experience a sophisticated, high-quality and upscale celebration of gastronomic art, featuring acclaimed international & local world class chefs, rum experts and mixologists.

FESTIVAL EVENTS SCHEDULE

The 7th edition of the Barbados Food and Rum Festival will be held from November 17th – 20th and the lineup includes; the Thursday Festival Opening with the Oistins Bay Gardens Cook Off; The Signature Rum Event with food and rum pairings on Friday November 18th; the Saturday afternoon Polo Rum Spirits, and canapes; the Saturday fine dining events which pair international chefs with local top chefs; and the Sunday evening grand finale at the famous Hilton Beach where you are invited to put your feet in the sand at the Sunday Beach Party Cook-off and food sampling.

The Golden Jubilee

A TRIBUTE TO 50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

As the event is followed closely by independence day the event culminates a year of celebrating Barbados’ 50th birthday and should be quite a party.

Must have products for the perfect silk press on natural hair!

For curly haired girls it is a constant struggle to maintain a silk press. But, many factors play into how well a silk press lasts and we are here to let you know the best products to use for the a perfect, long lasting silk press. Remember less is more and the key is to fight the humidity and keep the hair straight but bouncy and free flowing for as long as possible.


First stop is a light but maximum defense heat protectant that also smell amazing! Bar non the best on the market is JOHN FREIDA


 Next up is an amazing silkening serum.... something that fights humidity without weighting down he hair and makes the silk press last for up to 3 weeks without touch-up....  






With these 2 combined and your favorite sheen spray or a touch of your favorite oil after and your hair will be protected and silky straight for up to 3 weeks touch up free. Give it all a try and tell us your review on our latest discovery. And be sure to share it with your friends....sharing is caring!

Traveled to Tobago, Caribbean

Big Paratha - Popular Indin Breakfast | 2 Feet - 1.25Kg Big Paratha

Universally friendly hair care tips(Hair tips for all hair types)

• Wash your hair once a week.
• Wash only the roots.
• Use whatever shampoo you like and makes your hair feel great. (don/t follow the hype).
• Also follow up with a great conditioner.
• Do an Oil treatment once a month on your hair. (This keeps the moisture and protein in check.
• Do not over work the hair.
• De-tangle hair either in the shower or when the hair is 80% dry.
• Moisturize your hair as needed (everyone's hair is different) SURPRISE!!!
• Heat is bad if over used, but necessary (believe it or not) for hair, so use heat at least once every 3 months and watch your hair thank you for it.
• Cut your hair only when your ends are bad. That's right! you don't have to cut your hair at specific times or else the buggy man will get it (LOL). Cut it when you feel those ends have gone south or are going south. This might be often for those who don't take care of their hair and not so much for those that do. But at least twice a year. (Summer and Winter Solstice's of course).

Do these things and you will be sure to have the best and most beautiful hair on the lot. People will think you are doing a lot, but the truth is, you're not.

Anguilla Summer Festival (Anguilla Carnival)

Anguilla Summer festival is the Caribbean event to end all Caribbean events. It began this July 28th and will be ending this August 7th. The event by all indications went off without a hitch this Summer as it has every summer before. The event kicked of with an amazing firework display and will be ending with a champion of champions boat race to be held at the Sandy Ground Village Anguilla, from 10am. We hope all those that attended had an amazing time and all those who wish to attend can head across to the official site of the event Anguilla Summer Festival for more great information on how you can be a part of this event in the upcoming years.

In the mean time check out some highlights of what you missed this Anguilla Summer festival 2016! 



     

How to cure male hair loss for good

Male hair loss is a bit of a taboo topic that has plagued the lives of many men the world over. For some it comes on a bit sooner that other and for the lucky few, it never happens at all. 

Why does it occur and how can it be stopped before it even starts naturally?? More importantly, how can one reverse it after it has snuck up on them and has already started to reap havoc in their lives???

The main culprit behind male hair loss is male patterned baldness passed on genetically. In the even that this is the cause of your problem then the solutions will be a bit more challenging, however still accomplish-able. In other cases the onset of baldness in a male might be brought on by something that was ingested and baldness was the side effect or perhaps a lack of protein in the diet, or even stress. The good news about all types of hair loss is that it will usually resolve itself. 

So onto the juicy stuff, how to homeopathic-ally eradicate male hair loss from your life.....but, of course we will also throw in some synthetic ways for those that enjoy more speedy results. 

Step one: Weekly Egg scalp and hair treatments.- Simply crack open an egg mix it thoroughly and paste it onto your scalp and hair. Leave it on for and hour then rinse and condition your hair. Follow up with a dime size amount of Jamaican Black Castor oil to the scalp and hair, massaging in a circular motion.


Step two: Daily scalp rinses with a home remedy of (Garlic, onion and ginger juice)- Simply extract the juice of one medium size onion, 5 to 7 cloves of garlic and an piece of ginger the same size as the onion. mix the juices together in a small bowl and apply to the scalp, leaving it on for an hour to an hour and a half. Rinse thoroughly and condition your hair with a protein rich conditioner. Followup with a dime size amount of Jamaican Black Castor Oil to the hair and scalp, massaging in a circular motion.

Step three: Once a day application of Jamaican Black Castor Oil to the scalp, massaging in a circular motion

Step four: Increase your intake of foods rich in zinc and vitamin E. Get the supplements as well if you must!

Results of this treatment will begin after the first 2 weeks of use and should completely stop the balding from getting any worse as well as grow back your lost hair extremely fast and dramatically thick. This treatment however will have to become a part of your lifestyle as a routine.

For the lovers of synthetic remedies their are pills and topical ointment on the market that stop the hair loss from going any further, and a few that claim to restore some of the lost hair as well. 

They are: 

• Propecia 
• Rogaine 

God is a woman

God is a woman! Now this may be a controversial statement for some and downright unacceptable for others, because for centuries God has been touted as a man. But what if this is not the case and God in fact is a woman.

The Bible is the most read and re-read book in all of history, it has been quoted as well as re-written over a thousand times. Not to mention the first translators of the Bible were working on their level of interpretation. This begs the questions, was it all interpreted correctly? Were there parts of the Bible that were omitted and or changed to suite the writers needs?, and just how much of the Bible was altered?

Well, because we were not all at the scene, no one knows for sure. The closet person to the truth would be the discovers themselves. Not, so recently however, there was an incident that occurred that was quickly buried by the catholic authorities. 

A Catholic priest from Massachussetts was officially dead for more than 48 minutes before medics were able to miraculously re-start his heart. During that time, Father John Micheal O’neal claims he went to heaven and met God, which he describes as a warm and comforting motherly figure.

The 71-year old cleric was rushed to the hospital on January 29 after a major heart attack, but was declared clinically dead soon after his arrival. With the aid of a high-tech machine called LUCAS 2, that kept the blood flowing to his brain, doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital managed to unblock vital arteries and return his heart to a normal rhythm.




The doctors were afraid he would have suffered some brain damage from the incident, but he woke up less than 48 hours later and seems to have perfectly recovered.he elderly man claims that he has clear and vivid memories of what happened to him while he was dead. He describes a strange out-of-body experience, experiencing an intense feeling of unconditional love and acceptance, as well as being surrounded by an overwhelming light.

He claims that at that point in his experience, he went to heaven and encountered God, which he describes as a feminine, mother-like “Being of Light”.

“Her presence was both overwhelming and comforting” states the Catholic priest. “She had a soft and soothing voice and her presence was as reassuring as a mother’s embrace. The fact that God is a Holy Mother instead of a Holy Father doesn’t disturb me, she is everything I hoped she would be and even more!” Despite the disapproval of his superiors, Father O’neal says that he will continue dedicating his life to God and spread the word of the “Holy Mother”.

“I wish to continue preaching” says the elderly cleric. “I would like to share my new knowledge of the Mother, the Son and the Holy Ghost with all Catholics and even all Christians. God is great and almighty despite being a woman…” ). 

They called it a hallucination on the part of the witness, but one must wonder is this really so? or perhaps is this something that the Catholic church is trying to keep hidden.


Now if we analyze this from the perspective of common sense, the greater of the two sexes is in fact the female. Women, can do anything a man can do, but this is not so for men. Why? You ask.....it's simple. Men cannot bring forth life into this world, they simply cannot, it is physically impossible for them. And we can take it a step further and acknowledge that if women came together and decided that they wanted to end mankind all together, they have all the power to do so, by simply refusing to have children any more. No babies, no human race. So in my opinion, who is more blessed with power in my opinion, who is more blessed with power by all the relevant indicators......women are. Now does that give us a greater indication as to whether or not God is female, yes it does. 

Let's explore more, God has the ability to create life as well as end it completely, and so do women, life comes forth through a woman's body

In our part 2 of this blog we will refer to the scriptures in search of some proof that what was witnessed by the father while being clinically dead for 48 hrs was in fact a truth and not a hallucination as they are proclaiming. 

Must have products for natural hair care!

The natural Hair community survey results are in and these are the most in demand products that are being used to acheive the longest, thickest, strongest, fastest growing natura hair in the community. So we had to share this with our readers, please do the same and be sure to share your results with us!

Hydrating Shampoos Deep Moisturizing Conditioners Deep Penetrating Moisturizers Hydrating Hair oils

A tribute to one of our favorite Artist we found on Twitter

We are taking sometime out to honor one of our favorite artist that we found on Twitter. We have found many, but this one as of late has stood out to us in all the right ways. So we just wanted to share her with all of our readers, that is, if you aren't already a fan. Below we have highlighted some information about her, and her work, and where you can find her. Do enjoy and feel free to leave her some positive feedback sometime.

Ms Alison Jardine

Bio: Originally from England, but currently resides in Dallas Texas. Her education is based from the University of London, where she attained a Bachelors degree in the Arts and Technology. She then further sharpened her artist chops at the College of Visual Art and Design in the University if North Texas. Amazing education aside, Alison has been churning out artist gems and master pieces for what seems like more than 8 years. 

Her career is forged with a fusion of all genres of artistic skill and material at her studio in Texas. Her material can be enjoyed on her website or where we've been enjoying it on her twitter feed. Alison Jardine was most recently selected as the Summer 2016 west edition of New American paintings with her Urban Flora 1 series- 9 absolutely stunning, rustic pieces that truly take you on a journey through the mind of the Artist herself. Her art is transcending the barriers of what was and paves a way for heightened creativity in the what will be. Whether sculpted from cement, molded from concrete, laid out from cloth, woven from string or simply painted or drawn, and it doesn't stop there, she has a piece that speaks to the artist in all of us. Here's to you Alison Jardine for continuing to keep out twitter feed meaningful.  

If you would like to check out her work, please feel free to check any of her social handles or even her website listed below:

Alison Jardine Website
Alison Jardine Twitter
Alison Jardine Facebook
Alison Jardine Pinterest

Caribbean Weather this (July/August) Summer

Information on the weather in July/August in the Caribbean for all those who were planning on visiting one of the islands this Summer.

Temperature

July is actually cooler throughout the Caribbean than at some cities in the southern United States. The ocean helps moderate temperatures and allows the islands to avoid severe heat.
Ocean water temperatures in the Caribbean Sea average 81 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit during July.

Rain

The rainy season begins in July on islands in the eastern Caribbean. It rains 2 out of 3 days this month at Port of Spain in Trinidad, at Vieux Fort in Saint Lucia and at Lamentin in Martinique.
To the west, July brings a lull in rainfall. For Jamaica and Dominican Republic, July is the driest month of summer.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are extremely rare during July in the Caribbean, although tropical storms sometimes reach Puerto Rico and islands to the east. No major hurricanes are expected in July. Caribbean weather in July: average daily temperature and monthly rainfall.

Should you be concerned about the rainy weather forecast?

While rain may be forecast every day, it's more likely to happen in short bursts rather than as sustained rainfall, and this means you may see a half-hour or more of rain every day, but usually only in the afternoon or evening. So it's entirely possible to have rain every day of your vacation but also have the rain not really affect you very much. Sometimes, you'll see an intense rainfall for a few minutes, and then the sun will come back out again for the rest of the afternoon.


What is the heat like in the Caribbean during the Summer?

It's definitely hot, but average temperatures are remarkably steady throughout the Caribbean over the course of the year. On most islands, if you are likely to see highs in the low- to mid-80s during the day in January, you are more likely to see highs in the mid- to upper 80s during the summer. But it's not unheard of to see highs in the 90s in the summer or highs in the low 70s during winter. (Water temperatures vary more noticeably than air temperatures.) You'll also find that larger cities (Santo Domingo, Kingston, Havana) are much hotter than the coastal areas, and that coastal areas are hotter than the inland areas that are higher in elevation. The constant trade winds help keep temperatures bearable all year even when the weather is hottest, but they are stronger in the winter season.

Is travel insurance necessary for my Caribbean Trip?

Travel insurance usually only pays off when a hurricane occurs during the dates of your vacation. Look for a policy that allows you to cancel for any reason; these are expensive but will give you the greatest amount of flexibility to make new plans if a major or minor storm threatens your vacation. Before you buy expensive travel insurance, see what kind of guarantee your tour packager or hotel offers. Some places offer a so-called "hurricane guarantee"; if your resort or packager offers this, then you may not want to buy an additional policy. However, these guarantees don't help you if you just get plain old-fashioned rain for a week and not a hurricane or tropical storm, and this happens from time to time regardless of the season.

Travelling to Europe from the Caribbean

Travelling to Europe from the Caribbean.

Some time ago 8 Caribbean countries have been chosen to travel to Europe without a visa. This is great news as many in the Caribbean have a great admiration for the land that once governed most of the islands originally. This is for every category of traveler, whether work or play, only to the Schengen parts of the country. This would allow for more business opportunities and tourism opportunities for all parties involved.



The eight Caribbean countries that are now allowed to travel to the Schengen parts of Europe VISA FREE are:

• Trinidad and Tobago
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• St. Lucia
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Dominica
• Barbados Bahamas
• Grenada
• Saint Kitts and Nevis

So, we have compiled a must see list places to visit while touring Europe:

1. The Azores

The genesis of the Azores is found upon 1766 volcanoes, nine of which are still active. Underground, almost three hundred volcanic cavities, including caves, ravines and cracks, have been surveyed. The landscape is filled with dry calderas, craters lakes, fumaroles and thermal water springs. In the sea, there are submarine geothermal springs. The mountain of Pico, majestic and with an intact cone, appears to be protecting all this geological wealth.

The volcanism of the archipelago impresses for its diversity and creates its own magnetism. It is a witness to the power of Nature, and the basis for a very special experience.

2. Hallstatt

The picturesque village on the lake with the same name owes its existence to the rich deposit of salt in the mountain of Hallstatt. 7000 years ago. Rich findings in Hallstatt and the upper valley of Hallstatt gave this village international recognition; even today discoveries are still made in the salt mountain of Hallstatt.  

Among the most beautiful places of interest are the oldest salt mine in the world and the ossuary in Hallstatt, a romantic boat ride on Lake Hallstatt, a trip to the breathtaking cave world in Obertraun and a visit to the Lake Gosau with the mighty Dachstein glacier. Additionally, Bad Goisern is popular in the summer with hikers and bikers. In winter guests are lured in by the ski areas of Dachstein West in Gosau and the Ski and Freeride Arena in neighboring Obertraun with perfect slope conditions.

3. Bonifacio

Bonifacio offer two seas for the price of one!

Unusually, Bonifacio allows you to swim in the Mediterranean Sea (West side) and in the Tyrrhenian Sea (East side).

With 70 km of coasts and 120 km if we include the islands of the Archipelago of Lavezzi, Bonifacio offers a complete collection of all the possible types of beaches: sandy beaches, hidden coves, islands of all sizes and other idyllic locations are available for spending vacations.

4. The Mont Saint-Michel

The 'Wonder of the Western World' forms a tower in the heart of an immense bay invaded by the highest tides in Europe. 

It was at the request of the Archangel Michel chief of the celestial militia that Aubert, Bishop of Avranches built and consecrated a small church on the 16th October 709. In 966 a community of Benedictines settled on the rock at the request of the Duke of Normandy and the pre-Romanesque church was built before the year one thousand.

UNESCO has classed the Mont Saint-Michel as a world heritage in 1979 and this mecca of tourism welcomes more than three million visitors a year.

5. Tuscany

Tuscany is located in central Italy and stretches from the Apennines to the Tyrrhenian Sea. 

Its landscape, artistic heritage and stand-out cities - first among them Florence - make Tuscany an unquestioned protagonist of international tourism.

6. The Douro Valley

The Douro Valley could as easily be called the enchanted valley, such is the beauty and magic that its landscapes offer.

Departing from Porto, where the river flows into the sea and where the Douro wines (table wines and Port wine), produced on its hillsides, also end up, there are various ways to get to know this cultural landscape, listed as a World Heritage Site: by road, by train, on a cruise boat and even by helicopter.

Following a route between the viewpoints that offer the best vistas, you need to cross the river from north to south and back again. But along the way you can admire breathtaking landscapes over the river and visit vineyards, towns and villages until you reach Miranda do Douro, the point at which the river enters Portugal.

7. The Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands are the hidden gem of the Scandinavian countries. To a lot of people they are unknown, to others they are this excotic destination in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. With the increasing tendency to seek north for new destinations we believe that the Faroe Islands are the perfect choice for the selective traveler.

8. The Dolomites

The Dolomites are considered one of the largest wellness centres in the world, because you can enjoy yourself a general well-feeling of body and mind. Relax yourself while taking in the breathtaking views of peaks and valleys, breathe in the crystal clear alpine air, bask in the warm sunshine next to turquoise lakes at the foot of inspiring mountains. 

9. The Hallerbos Forest

The 7 to 10 days following the blossoming of the beech leaves are the most beautiful in the wood. The purple blue of the bluebells combined with the transparent bright green of the young beech leaves give a magical effect to the forest. The sunlight still reaches the flowers through the leaf canopy, but a little less each day.

10. The Lofoten Islands

Lofoten is known for excellent fishing and nature attractions, small villages off the beaten track and whale safaris.

Explore Lofoten by foot, go rafting in the Trollfjord and visit Lofotr Viking Museum. Taste stockfish and be amazed by the midnight sun. Experience the bird rocks outside the island of Røst and the cosy fishing village in Nusfjord.

Summer in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is the place to be this Summer 2016, who doesn't want the sun, sand, and sea to be the theme of their Summer. 

Waves crashing on the shores and the tranquil breeze whispering across your face. Sipping fancy drinks on the beach while your family and/ or friend have fun in the sun. This is not just a dream, but a reality for some, and it could be for you as well. 

Every Caribbean Island has a lot to offer for internal as well as external tourist. An yes, you can go vacationing in the island even though you live in one. 

Check out these amazing vacation packages and plan your summer holidays in a Caribbean Island:

The Caribbean in summer? It’s a more appealing option than you might think, especially if you’re looking for a bargain vacation this year. Here are a few reasons:

• Prices are lower, with some hotels and resorts cutting as much as 60 percent off their winter rates.

• Temperatures are typically only a few degrees higher than they are in the peak travel months of January through March. And they can be even lower than you’ll find at popular beach spots back in the United States. (For example, last Sunday, the temperature hit 93 in New York; it was 88 in Montego Bay, Jamaica and 88 on St. Lucia.)

• The threat of hurricanes is certainly real, but perhaps not as great as you might imagine. Only one has hit the Caribbean before July 8 in the last decade — Hurricane Dennis, a Category 3 storm, which passed just east and north of Jamaica on July 7, 2005, producing hurricane conditions on the island. (This year the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration projects a “near normal or above normal” hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 with the peak typically occurring from mid-August to mid-October.)

• Did we mention that prices are lower?

Despite the overall trend in rising airfares, prices of Caribbean packages, including airline tickets, are down 16 percent compared with peak travel, according to CheapTickets.com. 



In some cases, practically entire islands are on sale. St. Maarten, the United States Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands are all offering island-wide summer promotions including a night free at a bevy of resorts and discounts for tourist activities. (Information at www.vacationstmaarten.com, www.usvitourism.vi, and www.caymanislands.ky.)

The islands themselves are getting a lot more aggressive about trying to lure visitors over the slower summer months with festivals that show off what the island has to offer in the way of food, history, culture or music. Each summer, for example, Barbados celebrates Crop Over (www.barbados.org/cropover.htm), a festival that can be traced back to the late 1780s, as a way to mark the end of the sugar-cane cutting season. Today, it’s a tourist draw involving calypso competitions and parades. Last year, Bonaire created the water-oriented Dive into Summer event (www.bonairediveintosummer.com), which it plans to repeat this year. Grenada’s Carnival, one of the island’s biggest festivals, begins in July and gains momentum leading up to Carnival Sunday, usually in the second week of August.

Other islands try to draw visitors with big-name stars. In July Jamaica hosts the Reggae Sumfest, which has featured such popular performers as Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent and Missy Elliott. And for the first time this year, the Cayman Islands will host a championship-boxing event — Cayman Knockout, to be held on Friday, June 20. In a super middleweight bout, the Olympic Gold medalist Andre Ward will fight the former Olympian Jerson Ravelo, and in a heavyweight match, Eddie Chambers will take on Raphael Butler. “We want tourism to the Caribbean to be a year-round exciting experience for travelers,” said Hugh Riley, a chief operating officer for the Caribbean Tourism Development Company.

Of course, there can be drawbacks to summering in the Caribbean. Some nonstop flights that run all winter long go on hiatus, requiring travelers who want to fly from Philadelphia to St. Lucia, for example, to make an extra stop or two. Once on the island, travelers may find that a number of restaurants or shops are closed for the season, resorts are undergoing construction, and staffing may not be quite as robust as it is during the winter.

That said, summertime brings some tourist opportunities that are simply non-existent any other time of year. From March to August, visitors to St. Lucia can take a Turtle Watch tour run by Heritage Tours (www.heritagetoursstlucia.org), where guests camp overnight on the beach and help measure the leatherback turtles and count the number of eggs they lay. Rain showers bring cool respites and lushness to the islands not usually found during the winter. And all deals aside, the dip in tourists during the summer allows for a sense of solitude that has become increasingly rare in the islands.



Anguilla

Looking for a beach? Anguilla, a small, low-lying Leeward Island, has 33 of them, all of which — including the well-manicured sands in front of the fanciest resorts — are open to the public. The increasingly upscale island also has a strong culinary scene, with an impressive array of restaurants (as many as 100) for an island just 16 miles long and no more than 3 miles across at its widest point.

WHAT TO DO From July 31 to Aug. 10, Anguilla will celebrate its annual Summer Festival, (www.axasummerfestival.com) with 11 days of carnival and boat racing festivities. Or explore the island by horseback. Seaside Stables (264-235-3667; www.seaside-stables.com) offers group rides for $60 a person.

HOW TO GET THERE From New York, take one of the many flights into St. Martin and catch a ferry. They run about every half hour between 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. between Marigot Bay, St. Martin and Blowing Point, Anguilla. Another option: fly nonstop to San Juan and hop a connecting flight into Anguilla on American Eagle.



Aruba

Located 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba shares the distinction with Trinidad and Tobago, Bonaire and Curaçao of being below the hurricane belt, making it less prone to major storms. Its long white-sand beaches, Las Vegas-style casinos and array of water sports make for an ideal vacation spot for travelers with diverse interests. The island’s many all-inclusive resorts make it easy for budget-conscious travelers to know exactly what their vacation will cost. And strong ocean breezes keep windsurfers aloft and vacationers cool all summer long.

WHAT TO DO Watch windsurfers and kiteboarders freestyle at the Aruba Hi-Winds Competition (www.aruba-hiwinds.org) July 2 to July 7. Or try it yourself. Aruba Boardsailing Productions (297-586-0989; www.arubawindsurfing.com) runs windsurfing classes ($50 for two hours) and kitesurfing lessons ($100 for two hours). Beyond the beach the island has dozens of quirky attractions from an ostrich farm (297-585-9630; www.arubaostrichfarm.com) to a donkey sanctuary (011-297-584-1063; www.arubandonkey.org).

HOW TO GET THERE It takes less than five hours to fly to Aruba nonstop from New York. Many airlines fly there each week, including JetBlue and American, which offer nonstop flights to the island from New York.



Dominican Republic

This country, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, has seen a surge in luxury developments in the last few years, with hotels offering $600-a-night rooms to go with their championship golf courses. But a wide range of all-inclusive resorts, affordable beachfront cabanas and relatively low-cost flights continue to keep the D.R.’s reputation as a bargain-hunter’s paradise intact.

WHAT TO DO For a pure beach vacation, Punta Cana’s powder-fine sands are some of the most popular, with tall, swaying palms and a wide range of resorts. Outdoor adventurers tend to favor the north coast, which features jungle forests, rolling mountain ranges, blue waters and golden beaches. Using the towns of Puerto Plata, Cabarete and Sosua as a base, travelers can go mountain biking, rock climbing or kiteboarding or just enjoy the sun. And culture-seekers can head for the capital, Santo Domingo, for a vibrant mix of night life, modern boutiques and Old World charm.

HOW TO GET THERE The Dominican Republic has seven international airports throughout the country, and there are many nonstop flights from the East Coast. For example, JetBlue has daily nonstop flights from Kennedy Airport to Santiago, Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo. Continental flies to Puerto Plata, Punta Cana and Santo Domingo nonstop from Newark. And American flies nonstop to Santo Domingo, Santiago and Punta Cana from Kennedy.



Jamaica

Among the largest islands in the Caribbean, Jamaica, with its beautiful beaches, lush mountains, secluded waterfalls, clear waters, plentiful snorkeling spots and melodic grooves, offers something alluring for pretty much any traveler. There are a dozen golf courses, raucous nightclubs, quiet beaches and a wide range of resorts from adults-only playgrounds to all-inclusive havens to quiet boutique hotels perched on cliffs.

WHAT TO DO Music lovers can check out Reggae Sumfest (876-953-8360; www.reggaesumfest.com) at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay from July 13 to 19. Explore the Green Grotto Caves (876-973-3217; www.greengrottocavesja.com), said to have been a haven for runaway slaves in the 18th century and featuring large rock formations, stalagmites and stalactites. A 45-minute guided tour costs $20 or $10 for kids 4 to 12. Go horseback riding, mountain biking, river tubing or even dog-sledding on wheels. Chukka Caribbean Adventures offers these and other tours (876-979-6599; www.chukkacaribbean.com).

HOW TO GET THERE A wide range of flight options helps keep airfares to this island lower on average than to some of its smaller Caribbean counterparts. Air Jamaica has the most nonstops from the United States to Jamaica, including daily service to Montego Bay from Atlanta, Baltimore, Fort Lauderdale, New York, Orlando and Los Angeles. In addition, there is daily service to Kingston from both New York and Miami.



St. Kitts & Nevis

This twin-island federation, located in the northern Leeward Islands of the eastern Caribbean, was made more accessible from New York last year when American Airlines began flying nonstop to St. Kitts in November. Now, travelers can leave New York in the morning and be on the beach, daiquiri in hand, by dinner time. Any one of four ferry services can take you to Nevis in about 45 minutes from $4 one way.

WHAT TO DO Hike Mount Liamuiga, St. Kitts’s dormant volcano. Cost is $65 for five-hour trip with the Tour Store. Take a three-hour railway tour ($90 a person) around the island by narrow-gauge railroad, built a century ago to haul sugar cane from the island’s plantations to the sugar mills (869-466-0413; www.stkittstourstore.com). Or just wander around the historic capital of Basseterre and take in the Creole and West Indian architecture. On Nevis, take a two-hour hike into the rain forest in search of vervet monkeys, also called green monkeys by the locals. (869-469-2758; www.nevisnaturetours.com)

HOW TO GET THERE American flies to St. Kitts from Kennedy Airport in New York twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays, and five times a week from Miami. In February, Delta added a Saturday flight from its hub in Atlanta.



St. Lucia

Nestled halfway down the eastern Caribbean archipelago, this Windward Island, marked by the twin peaks of its dramatic Piton Mountains, has been gaining ground as a luxury destination with several high-end resorts to choose from in just the last few years. During the summer, however, even the Star, Moon and Sun suites at Jade Mountain (www.jademountainstlucia.com), which have private infinity pools and a fourth wall missing for maximum views of the mountains and sea, come down by $300 from peak season to $1,150, $1,300 or $1,600 a night.


WHAT TO DO During the summer, the island’s lush rain forest and secluded waterfalls are in full effect. Nature hikes ($10) and bird watching tours ($30) can be arranged with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (758-468-5645; www.slumaffe.org). From March to August, night tours are organized by the Heritage Tours (758-458-1454; www.heritagetoursstlucia.org) to witness the arrival of leatherback turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs on Grand Anse Beach. Cost: $90 a person, tents and including transfers to and from hotel.

HOW TO GET THERE American Airlines flies to St. Lucia nonstop daily from Miami and three times a week on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays from Kennedy Airport (except during September and October). Delta flies to the island from Atlanta as does US Airways from Charlotte, N.C.



Turks and Caicos

Though technically in the Atlantic Ocean, not the Caribbean Sea, the Turks and Caicos has pretty much everything you could want in a Caribbean vacation. Made up of some 40 islands and cays, of which only eight are inhabited, the archipelago has an extensive national parks system with 33 protected areas, excellent sailing and exceptional diving, especially along the Wall — the face of a 7,000-foot trench separating Grand Turk and Salt Cay from East Caicos and South Caicos.

Providenciales, or Provo as it’s often called, is the most developed of the islands, with a growing list of restaurants, resorts and spas — most of which are on the north shore, along the 12-mile stretch of Grace Bay Beach. The Turks and Caicos Music and Cultural Festival (www.musicfestival.tc) takes place on the island July 28 to Aug. 4 with performances by Lionel Richie and Anita Baker among others.

WHAT TO DO Provo’s calm, reef-protected waters and constant easterly trade winds make for good sailing, windsurfing or kitesurfing. Abuv-It-All, also known as Windsurfing Provo (649-241-1687; www.windsurfingprovo.tc) offers beginners’ windsurfing lessons starting at $90 a person. Visit the Caicos Conch Farm (649-946-5643; www.caicosconchfarm.com) to see how conch are raised. Conc i6s a specialty on the island, served at fine-dining restaurants and casual establishments like Da Conch Shack on Blue Hills beach (649-946-8877; www.conchshack.tc). In search of solitude? Check out the extremely calm waters of Sapodilla Bay on the island’s southern tip.

HOW TO GET THERE American flies nonstop to Providenciales from New York and three times a day from Miami. There are also nonstop flights from Atlanta on Delta.

St. Lucia Carnival 2016

Fresh out of St. Lucia's epic Jazz event, we step into St. Lucia Carnival 2016. 

Light! Camera! Action!


The premier event of the Summer, St. Lucia Carnival is a Carnival Event you do not want to miss. It launched on May 1st and will be having the major road display from the 16th to the 19th of July. That's 3 non stop months of Caribbean Carnival madness. And if you have ever partied in the Caribbean, you would know, no one parties like us!

Of course, the attendees of this Carnival can expect St. Lucia's usual world class level of entertainment ,and accommodation. You will be treated to the deepest roots of the island's culture straight from the heart and unlike any other.

Over on the official site for the event you will get all the information on the several shows, events, parties, competitions, cultural displays, and culinary throw downs that are to take place for the Lucian Carnival Extravaganza. 

So, what are you doing this summer? We know what we will be doing........St. Lucia, here we come!

Hop on over to the official site and book your ticket with some friends today! St. Lucia Carnival Site!

For all the party highlight check out Lucian Carnival
Beauty Best Sellers

Vacationing in Florida this summer

Florida which is Spanish for "land of flowers" is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. The state is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, and to the south by the Straits of Florida and the sovereign state of Cuba. Florida is the 22nd most extensive, the 3rd most populous, and the 8th most densely populated of the United States. Jacksonville is the most populous city in Florida, and the largest city by area in the contiguous United States. The Miami metropolitan area is the eighth-largest metropolitan area in the United States. Tallahassee is the state capital.

A peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Straits of Florida, it has the longest coastline in the contiguous United States, approximately 1,350 miles (2,170 km), and is the only state that borders both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Much of the state is at or near sea level and is characterized by sedimentary soil. The climate varies from subtropical in the north to tropical in the south. The American alligator, American crocodile, Florida panther, and manatee can be found in the Everglades National Park.

Since the first European contact was made in 1513 by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León – who named it La Florida ([la floˈɾiða] "land of flowers") upon landing there in the Easter season, Pascua Florida – Florida was a challenge for the European colonial powers before it gained statehood in the United States in 1845. It was a principal location of the Seminole Wars against the Native Americans, and racial segregation after the American Civil War.

Today, Florida is distinctive for its large Cuban expatriate community and high population growth, as well as for its increasing environmental issues. The state's economy relies mainly on tourism, agriculture, and transportation, which developed in the late 19th century. Florida is also renown for amusement parks, orange crops, the Kennedy Space Center, and as a popular destination for retirees.

Florida culture is a reflection of influences and multiple inheritance; Native American, European American, Hispanic, and African American heritages can be found in the architecture and cuisine. Florida has attracted many writers such as Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams, and continues to attract celebrities and athletes. It is internationally known for golf, tennis, auto racing and water sports.



Florida's hottest attraction, and not just for kids and families any more, is Walt Disney World in Orlando. The magic of Disney has not worn off over the decades as millions of visitors flock here each year to enjoy the Magic Kingdom and the many other attractions of this mega amusement park.

Official site: disneyworld.disney.go.com




Universal Studios in Orlando is often much more than what most people are expecting. This huge theme park and working film and TV production studio offers all kinds of rides and experiences based on well known movies and shows. There are rides to entertain all ages. In addition there are hotels, restaurants, excellent shows, live music and more.

Official site: Universal Orlando




The Everglades National Park is the second largest in the country after Yellowstone and the largest subtropical wilderness in the continental U.S. It is a 1.5 million-acre tract of marshy land and swamp and an important and fragile ecosystem that supports alligators, American crocodiles, Florida panthers, deer, turtles, egrets, manatees, river otters and many other species.

The whole area is composed of a wide, shallow river that flows from Lake Okeechobee to the Bay of Florida. The bottom of this river is porous limestone over top of a bedrock base called the Tamiami Formation. It catches rainfall and acts as southern Florida's main water reservoir.

The park was created in 1947 after environmentalists finally convinced the government that the Everglades were vitally important to the balance of nature.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm




The Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Station, located near Cocoa Beach on the Atlantic Coast, is a 140,000 acre complex which has been the site of many space shuttle launches. Visitors can take a bus tour to see this large facility and explore the displays at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Official site: www.kennedyspacecenter.com



The Daytona 500 Nascar race is one of the most famous and considered the most important in the Cup series, kicking off the racing season in February. It is held in Daytona Beach at the Daytona International Speedway where it draws huge crowds every year. The Speedway was built in 1959 to move auto racing off the beach. Previously, races and land-speed competitions were held on the hard-packed sand of Daytona Beach.

Official site: www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com



Much like Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando has long been an important part of family vacations to Florida. This huge amusement park features to dolphin and whale shows, opportunities to experience close up encounters with marine life and see a wide variety of species in the various tanks, and also offers thrill rides for all ages.

Official site: seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando



Busch Gardens is one of the most popular attractions in the Tampa area. This African theme park allows visitors to go on safaris and see all kinds of exotic animals as they roam through natural environments. Rides and other amusements are also a big part of the experience.

Official site: buschgardens.com



Miami Beach, including both the town and the actual beach, is the main attraction for most tourists heading to Miami. Located on an island connected to the mainland by bridges, Miami Beach features an historic Art Deco District and a wide swath of sand stretching along the oceanfront. The Art Deco buildings along Ocean Drive contain hotels and restaurants with nice views over the beach.




The beautiful reef islands that make up Dry Tortugas National Park are not accessible by car. Most people visit as a day trip from Key West. The Park is home to Fort Jefferson, an impressive complex built by the US Government in the 1800s. Visitors can tour the fort and then spend some time on the beaches, snorkeling, or enjoying a picnic.

Official site: www.nps.gov/drto



Known for being one of the oldest settlements in Florida, St Augustine's historical sites and beautiful old architecture definitely make it worth a visit. At the top of the list of things to see is the late 19th century Flagler College, one of the most photographed buildings in the city. It was originally built as a hotel by railroad magnate Henry Flagler. Also not to be missed is the Castillo de San Marcos, famous for being the "oldest masonry fort in North America," according to the National Parks Service. Built in the 17th century, it is remarkably well preserved and an impressive site, even for those with little interest in history. The view over the coast is also quite spectacular.




The Salvador Dali Museum in St Petersburg is housed in a unique modern building designed to match the creativity of the artist himself. Curving glass appears to envelope the otherwise box-like structure, giving the building a very striking appearance. Inside, the museum showcases pieces from throughout Dali's career, providing a complete overview of his development as an artist. Even those with little knowledge of art will find this museum interesting and thought provoking.

Address: One Dali Blvd, St Petersburg
Official site: thedali.org