My Eyes Are Watching God

Floating in that marvelous creation, it reminded me of the scene of Their Eyes Were Watching God where Halle Berry's character submerges herself in pristine waters and focuses on the heavens above.

I have a thing for water. Rain, rivers, beaches, baths.

It's relaxing, cleansing, spiritual.

This pic was taken a week ago and reflects where I am in life. 

Before I felt haggard, hassled, harassed.

Hurried to make important decisions to fulfill the human definition of success.

Not pausing to hear from God. Not resting in Him.

But this pic is where I am.

Floating in Him. Resting and looking upon Him.

And wondering what it is He wants to ask me.

Sometimes we go about life in a fast pace frenzy 

because that's what is dictated to us as best by society.

Stop and bask in God.

Artiste Spotlight - Kristine Alicia

What a way I've been missing!

Anyways, we won't dwell on that.

What we will dwell on is this amazing artiste - Kristine Alicia

Who would I be if I didn't feature someone of the reggae genre from my beautiful island Jamaica?

I've had the pleasure of knowing her for almost 10 years

(since I was a teen)

and I've always been blown away by her unique voice.

It's soulful and sticks with you. 

So much so I find myself repeating her tracks.

She's also a fellow curly girl!

Isn't her tapered cut awesome? Makes me want to chop mine off.

Get into this acoustic version of her song Perfect Time

which just happened to be shot by yours truly :)

For more vids of her singing and giving her take on life

subscribe to her YouTube -> KristineAlicia 

Enjoy =)

Artiste Spotlight - Jane Macgizmo

Today's spotlight is on Jane Macgizmo

She's really a 'Jane of all trades'

Photographer, Model, Producer, Creative Director, Magazine Editor + how many more!

Real Jamaican with the bagga jobs :) and now she's blessing the world with another talent

singing.

Artwork by Janile Salmon

She just released her first single "Black Skin" on Soundcloud & I'm smitten.

Yes she's gorgeous and her voice matches the looks.

The track is in the realms of neo-soul with a Jamaican flavor (of course)

Produced by SOS Dynamiks, the beat is infectious.

I'm excited to see where Mizz Macgizmo goes with her music, but for now take a listen.

Enjoy =)

Independence

Today marks the 51st anniversary of Independence for my beautiful country Jamaica.

The country isn't perfect but we've accomplished so much in this time and impacted the world through music, the arts, our culture, food and sports. I wouldn't trade my heritage for anything in this world.

I'm a proud Jamaican :)

On the theme of Independence, thought I would share these movie trailers for 

'Half of a Yellow Sun' & 'Mandela: A Long Walk To Freedom'

These two movies got a lot of flack from people due to the casting decisions. Many people who read Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie were upset at the casting of Thandie Newton in the role of Olanna 

and for the Mandela film, Idris Elba as Nelson Mandela.

No lie I was a bit skeptical on both of these decisions but tried not to let that influence how I would view these movies. after watching the trailers, I'm highly intrigued and cannot wait to see both films.

I'm even going to re-read Half of a Yellow Sun in preparation. 

If you haven't read it yet, you need to. Such a great & gripping novel by an exceptional writer. Both of these films tell a story of struggle for independence and the issues that stem from that fight. Very fitting on this here momentous day for Jamaica.

Enjoy =)

HEAVY

"they could never take my crown, den nah go bring me down"

Loving this track from Conkarah entitled "Heavy"

Check out the Artiste Spotlight I did on him here

Dude is killing it in this vid with his dance moves

Listen & "Drop it Heavy" today

Enjoy =)

HeatWave

I have a thing for all things Jamaican since I hail from that lovely little island

Jamaican designer James Black who is responsible for Yahdie Conscious (apparel) & GlamHEAD (hair accessories)

has lines out this summer for both brands.

The GlamHEAD line aptly titled HeatWave features a natural haired model who rocked the heck out of the items.
These are perfect for adorning your crown in this summer heat. Looking chic while having your hair up!

If you're interested in any of the pieces, you can shop them at www.ycglamhead.bigcartel.com

Enjoy =)

Daily Fix of Hair

Today's fix is of Patrick Fenton

This Jamaican lad models here and there.

His hair is beyond.

Adrian Creary Photography for House of Jade

Daily Fix of Hair

Good Day To You All!

It's Monday. back to work, back to school. Lovely.

These are my Monday Faces taken on a not Monday lol.

Hope you all have had a fantastic weekend and have a great Monday!

Also I've been linked by As Told By Nella - Jamaican blogger who I went to high school with :)

Do check out her blog and her Friday Link Love posts.

Get into some great blogs by Jamaicans!

MANE-ly Speaking

Greetings Lovelies!

Got another gorge gal MANE-ly Speaking hurr

Meet Tawana from my place, my home

from dung ah Yaad

aka the best place on Earth - JAMAICA!!!!

:D

She also attended my high school there so mucho points for this lady.

Grab a cuppa and read on for more after the jump.

Bob's Birthday

Today marks the anniversary of the icon Robert Nesta Marley's birthday.

Longtime readers know I'm a Bob fan & it is only right that I have a Bob post for today.

Bob Marley contributed greatly to reggae music, paving the way for many artistes.

His name is synonymous with feel good music while his face is one that adorns countless tees.

Not to be degraded to just irieness and fashion, Bob Marley was a conscious artiste whose music speaks on the issues of society while pushing positivity.

Robert Nesta Marley is a great Jamaican figure who is adored by millions.

He is a role model and inspiration for many musicians, not just those of the reggae genre.

His legacy lives on through his music, his children & grandchildren.

Blessed Earthstrong Bob!

Take a listen to The Heathen performed live by Bob Marley & The Wailers.

Check out Bob's trademark denim suit and the head wraps of the I-Threes as well.

Enjoy =)

Plastics

Just wanted to share this short film that was done in promotion for VIVID : Plastics

one of Jamaica's top party series.

I featured one of the masterminds behind VIVID - Valon Thorpe. Check out the CANDIDly Speaking here. 

The marketing behind the parties are always exceptional. They make me want to go but I'm never in Jamaica when they're on. 

Check out the film below and if you happen to be in Kingston, check out VIVID tonight at Club Privilege!

Enjoy =)

Boom Shot

These tees may have been from the Fall/Winter 2011 Collection of Violette but they are items that can be worn all year round.
Violette is a clothing brand by Vashtie - island gyal who hails from Trinidad, holding it down in NYC who does it all.  Blogger, Director, Model.. Girl got it going on.

I love them! Not the price tag (starting at $40) for simple printed tees but I love them because well, they showcase my culture.
My faves are the Ting, Champion, Jamaica flag tee and Bandolero.
For the ladies you can style these tees easily with a pair of denim cutoffs and an eye catching pair of heels.
For the men, chinos or jeans rolled up by the ankle with a pair of loafers or boat shoes and a pair of flattering shades.
If these catch your fancy, you can buy them at Karmaloop.

Daily Fix of Hair

Today's Fix is chock full of Jamaican goodness.

Esther Beckford modeling Jae Jolly. Photography by Marlon James

Muzik Mondays

I'm a Reggae head. I always have to listen to it... It's just wonderful.

Don Corleon, producer straight from Jamaica who has done work with just about every big Jamaican artiste, has come out with a new riddim called "Antique Riddim"
It's a "one drop" riddim and features Kymani Marley, Protoje, Vybz Kartel, Tarrus Riley, Romain Virgo & Da Professor.

Di riddim smoootthhh & the horns in it reminded me of a song called "Handcart Bwoy" by Perfect that came out years ago.. I was still living in Jamaica but it's a fave of mine.

So do Enjoy the sounds of the Antique Riddim & Handcart Bwoy

=)

Clean an Out!

Weekly post done by Shonique D. Thomas of caughtupinmyreverie.tumblr.com. She is a student at the University of Florida currently studying Marketing. Shonique has a passion for fashion so her weekly posts will be fashion oriented. 


Enjoy =)

ALEXIA PALMER: 

JAMAICAN MODEL ON THE RISE

Last week I stumbled across an article about a Jamaican up and coming model, by the name of Alexia Palmer. She was discovered in “Pulse’s 2011 Caribbean Model Search,” and since then has made some impressive strides in the industry. She has been heavily scouted by all the major modeling agencies in New York City, and is now signed to Trump Management. Magazine editors are also taking notice, and at 17 years old, she has been featured in “Teen Vogue.” How dope is that?!

Since discovering Alexia, I started to wonder how many other Jamaican beauties do we have doing their thing in the fashion industry, and I was pleasantly surprised and also embarrassed to see that we have quite a fleet! Embarrassed, because I can’t believe that this missed me! Names such as: Nadine Willis, Nell Robinson, Jaunel McKenzie, Gaye McDonald, Sasha-Gaye Hunt, and now ALEXIA PALMER! Keep doing your thing ladies, so proud of y’all!

With Love, Shonique D. Thomas.

Daily Fix of Hair

source

Oh!

Daily Fix of Hair

MARLON JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY

CANDIDly Speaking

This Feature is on Valón Thorpe - young photographer out of Kingston Jamaica. 
I've known this guy for sometime now but I was really captivated by his work during his promotion of a party he put on in Jamaica called VIVID alongside Ramona Sirju (photo below of both)

The promotional concept & the eye catching flyers photographed by him was something refreshing. 
This hilarious individual is a talented man & I wanted to do a bit on him so Enjoy =)

3 words you would use to describe yourself.
Driven, Whimsical. Innovative

What do you do?
Well I really am just a final year undergraduate student. I study Geography. And no, my ambition isn't to be a weatherman or a school teacher. Lol. I wanna do GPS work and urban planning but photography is really what I'm passionate about. I like having a vision and making it realistic.


How did you come about photography?
I really used to take pics for fun and use ma phone & do mobile uploads with a liddle pizazz lol. But honestly I just woke up one morning and said "I want to take pictures." because I just felt that I have a different spin on things in my head + I was tired of criticizing people's work not knowing if I could do any better or not.

What inspires you?
I can't even answer that question with one answer. Anything inspires me. If I look at a balloon long enough I can think of different ways to shoot it or incorporate into something I wanna do.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years, I will most likely be pioneering some sort of great idea to fruition. If I don't have that fort of 
passion then, most likely I'll be dead inside.

Look out for more of Valón's work here on the blog. ++
Check out the Facebook page for Valón Thorpe Photography HERE

&&

Remember if you're in Jamaica, VIVID : The Lights on October 22, 2011.