happy birthday PrincessParis!

DISCLAIMER: It you aren't an animal lover...more specifically a dog lover then you will probably not even be able to almost understand this post.

Today (Saturday March 23rd) my Shih Tzu-Poodle 'Paris' is a year old (in human years)! Last year my boyfriend got her for me as a birthday gift and trust me...she is officially the best gift I've ever gotten!

 

I'll admit that she has gotten me to the point of frustration with the barking that I just cannot understand, but I love and treat her like a child...my own child.

I've had some amazing times with my Princess Paris, and to be honest, I've noticed that my dog has more personality than quite a few people I've met.

She came as a chocolate brown palm-sized 5lbs puppy....then after a few months and a few hair cuts she lost her full choco coat and is now an almost golden blonde (with hints of choco brown on her ears and tail)...oh and she's surely gained some weight....enough for the vet to tell me she may have thunder thighs! lol


On a serious note though, after a year with Princess Paris (everyone knows her by that name). I can 100% understand why therapists will suggest giving children a pet. Besides teaching responsibility, I've developed a greater respect for animals and how much care and love they need.

As a child I had pets, and I did appreciate them, but now that I'm older and really understand more about animal cruelty....I do believe there is a special place in hell for people who harm animals!

And for those who think having a pet is expensive....I don't agree....her expenses are a mere fraction of what I spend to survive in a month! Monthly I spend about $20 US for food; then every three months I spend $10 US on toys and treats, $10 US on vet costs, and $25 US to get her groomed (in between these grooming sessions I bathe and comb her at home). Besides these expenses I probably had a $100 US initial cost to get her a kennel, pillow, bowls, collars and leashes and all that. (the kennel was the biggest expense, but it's an iron kennel that can be taken apart for easy travelling.)

She may not be a pricey lil one, but she does need love...and while my schedule is hectic, there's oodles of love for her to get...from me, my parents and my lil sis!

Looking forward to more years with my superstar pooch!

cut the...stress!

It's been a stressful few weeks for me but I've been pushing through.

Then I found this photo...and while I knew that stress causes some of these things, I really didn't realise how many of these negative effects I was experiencing (especially the head, skin and immune issues which together are not good).

I think maybe this is a good way to start grading my stress level; the more things I'm experiencing is the worse stressed I am....that's my theory and for now, I'm sticking to it!

Fortunately I'm working to reduce the stresses in my life by sleeping, staying organised, being thankful for what I have, and having faith that what I need will be mine in due time.

How bout you?

BarBQue for a cause

The Syndicate BarBQue Lyme Series kicked off this year with the first staging on January 27th.

It was great fun with a good vibe and a-mazing food! How good? Lets just say I'm not keeping up with hiphop music, I have overcrowded spaces and I'm not a fan of fish..........but.......the DJ's had me enjoying every mix, the crowd was good but not to make the venue stuffy; and the escoveitched fish was amazing!

I was also glad to be out with the Bloom family....that's never a bad thing really. =)

You can click here for more photo highlights from the January 27th staging courtesy of J-Dash Labs.

So you're probably wondering how the charity part of it works...For the 2012 event they donated a cheque to the Jamaica Association for the Deaf with proceeds from the event. Since the event is now a series, the funds donated to charity will be handed over once per year instead of after each staging. This means that the bigger each staging is, is the more help that charity can get.

With that said, I'm excited to see the menu and DJ lineup for the March 10th staging. Also excited to see even more folks coming out to enjoy a different kind of Sunday afternoon.

On a slightly different note, I want to say that I really do appreciate the Syndicate Events team who are by extension a part of the Bloom family. They have much faith in our mission and it means a lot to know that even before things were all in place, they thought it important enough for them to #GetInvolved and help make a difference for special needs students in Jamaica.

Thanks bunches!

Sooooo in a nutshell....all I'm saying is.....once your in Jamaica on Sunday March 10th, the Syndicate Events Charity BarBQue is 100% where you need to be!

the weekend ahead

Those who know me would know that I'm rarely out these days. But with 2 great events happening this weekend....looks like I'll be making a move twice this weekend!


Friday
After getting through the last day of the week, Friday is for relaxing and putting the stressful week behind you. That is...unless of course you're like me and will be using Friday night to catch up on some work you need to get finished. *not much fun*

On the bright side, if i get enough stuff done on Friday night then I'll have enough time for my Saturday and Sunday shenanigans...and for some sleep!


Saturday
Is possibly another day for catching up on some work (this is what happens when you're trying to get a business off the ground....you work just about whenever work is to be done). 

The Saturday night party is Bottles & Cues at Club Overtime (NHT Building, New Kingston) . It's the first of a series which will be held on the last Saturday of every month...and my Coppershot family will be on the wheels of steel so that's definitely an insight for the great vibes you'll be getting! It's free with invite and $500 without...and ladies are free before 12. #WorthCheckingOut



Sunday 
Since Sunday is more of a relaxed day, the perfect Sunday flex for you is the Syndicate Events BBQ. This is the second in their charity BBQ series and if you recall, from the previous one (held Ash Wednesday 2012) the Syndicate Events team was able to donate J$100,000 to the Danny Williams Primary School for the Deaf to aid in the construction of a resource room. Thanks to their event sponsors they were also able to donate meat produce for the school kitchen, and 2 laptops for students.

I think what impresses me most about this event is that for just $1,000 you can choose from 4 different dishes to enjoy, you have a well stocked bar to buy out, good music to soak in....and it's all for a worthy cause! #WorthCheckingOut


All in all my weekend is working on personal projects and having some good fun with friends. It sounds like a done deal for me...and I'm inviting everyone to come have some fun!

from 12 to 13

Happy New Year! I do hope that wherever you are around the world you had a good New Year's Eve and a good January 1st, 2013.

2012 was an unusual year for me, a very slow one that often gave me reason to believe that nothing would ever go in the direction of my dreams. Fortunately though 2012 saw the birth of my foundation for special needs students in Jamaica.....my proudest accomplishment to date!

For 2013, I've put together my goals and dreams, and decided that this year I'll be working on my professional self. Of course in the mix I'll put in some personal improvements, but overall, I'm going for the major dreams I've got....and that's my dream job (or dream jobs rather).

Even if it means that at the end of the year I'm half way around the world, as long as I'm 100% happy with my improvements I'm game.

Hope 2013 gives you the best and helps you be the best you!

help my charity this Christmas

One of the members of my charity entered the Foundation into a competition where we can receive a J$100,000 grant from a local company - Sagicor Life Jamaica.

You can read the submission below (or click here for a clearer image) and then vote for us by liking the photo on Facebook. After you've liked it, feel free to share it with your friends so we can get as many likes by December 19th when voting closes.

This is quite an opportunity for us, and with all the plans that the team and I have for 2013, the grant would definitely help us fund some of our projects with the Danny Williams Primary School for the Deaf and the Lister Mair Gilby High School for the Deaf.

So #GetInvolved and help us make a difference this Christmas. Let's get those likes up to at least 120 by December 19th!

U: UMOJA - benefit night for Bloom

AlphabetChallenge

Late AlphabetChallange post again this week (sorry guys) but it's a good one for a good cause....so read on =]

As you should know by now, I am 100% supporting the Bloom Foundation for Education which is my brainchild that focuses on improving the educational facilities and opportunities for special needs children in Jamaica.

With that said....I'll note that the Labour Day project to repaint the Danny Williams Primary School for the Deaf went well and we have some amazing pictures to help you be a part of the experience.

But following that, the help doesn't end there; and besides our ongoing coin drive our next project will be a benefit performance of the Campion Collage Dance Society's 2nd season of dance. Dubbed UMOJA (which is a Swahili word that means unity and togetherness) the show will take a journey through the first 50 years of independent Jamaica, and give a feeling of unity and togetherness for the audience members to leave with.

Of course this means that you cannot miss the show! Not only because it is all set to be amazing, but also because it's a benefit performance and the funds will be used for a scholarship that will go to a Deaf student in St Andrew.


Now just in case you need that little reminder...here's all the important info:

Bloom Foundation for Education benefit performance of the Campion College Dance Society 2nd Season of Dance - UMOJA

Date: Friday June 29th
Location: The Little Theatre (Tom Redcam Avenue)
Showtime: 7pm
Ticket cost: $1000

You can feel free to contact me to arrange the pick up/drop off of tickets and if you want more information on the foundation and/or the project.

Oh....and for all the fans and friends overseas who are wondering 'where is the online donation link'....don't worry we'll have it soon so you'll be able to lend a hand without having to leave home. =]

So back to the dance show! Bring a friend and come enjoy the Friday night show, there's really no reason for you to miss it and if you want to contribute but you aren't able to attend, let us tell you about how you can help make a difference!

hold the faith....you determined woman you

Feeling a bit defeated this weekend because there is so much that didn't get done last week and so much to do this week (even without considering the things to be finished from last week).

So yes, my things to do list is very long (got a new program that I'll review for you soon) and my brain keeps ticking trying to figure out how to balance it all.

Of course in the mix I'm getting flustered because somethings that I know can be done with just a little help....aren't getting the little help it needs. That would I believe fluster anyone, but when I think it through I amd reminded of the saying 'if you need something done right then do it yourself' ...and in fine print....this is of course unless it is something that requires technical assistance from an individual with knowledge in a specific field.

..............and just my luck.....one of the things I needed to get done was of the 'technical' nature. sigh

Fortunately for me help was available and now it's back to sorting everything else out.

What made me perk up was when a friend of mine reminded me that all the frustration and the desire to get things done is not necessarily bad....and its all signs of a determined woman.

She did make me feel better because I guess it reminded me that all the worry and stress is within good reason.

It also reminded me that I need to fine tune some other aspects of my life and make sure I find some me-time. I honestly have no problem with that plan.....a work in progress I believe, and there's 100% no reason why I can start now.

Until then I'll be doing me with my usual determined little self.

On another note! Remember to check in with my non-profit foundation on Facebook and Twitter!

T: think big

AlphabetChallenge

This week's AlphabetChallenge post is merely in photo.

I was browsing the net and found a few photo quotes, and these two stood out to me. So here are my WordsOfWisdom that I think are just perfect to share with you.

They actually fit in perfectly with the situations happening today, so this may just have been the subtle way of God telling me to not stress with the not so positive factors.

I did find some comfort in these words....even if I found them online (you can see the credit at the bottom-centre of each photo)....hope they help motivate you too!

...working better?

After posting about how I manage working from home, I saw this pic online that spoke about how persons can work better.

Although they have a question mark in the heading, I do think that these 10 tips are some simple ways that can help you to work better. =]

What do you think?

a US$68million diamond ring!?

Saw this posted on someone's Facebook profile and I just had to blog it and see what you all think.

Now let me present to you....the 'world's first diamond ring'

This isn't your average 24 carat gold ring with a lovely diamond on top. What you're seeing here is a full diamond ring that has a total of 150 carats and costs a whopping US$68million!

So as an April baby with diamond as my birthstone, you can imagine how pleased I would be with more diamonds in my life. 

But in the world I live in, this is the perfect reason for just about anyone to stalk/kidnap/steal from you!

I do want an amazing diamond ring made of gold or platinum even lol....but I guess I would be quite worried walking around with US$68million on just one finger (note of course that I would also be wearing a bracelet, chain or earrings...maybe even all together).

So although quite gorge.....I think for my safety I'll stick to a 'normal' ring with diamonds! (but feel free to get adventurous you future husband you lol)

Plus......think about how many persons around the world or even just in Jamaica who are in need and could use that US$68million to cover the cost of their basic survival...........

#TeamTal :: so proud!

I'm so uber proud of my tweetums Talia Soares who did so well this weekend at Miss UWI 2012.

Miss UWI 2012 Sanneta Myrie (centre) with first runner-up Talia Soares (left) and second runner-up Danielle Morrison (right). (photo by Brian Rosen Photography)

I remember when she first mentioned she was entering and said:

Kim I'm gonna need your help you know? Serious serious!

Of course I responded with a resounding "no problem" because I do love pageants, and I like helping other ladies prepare for them.

Overtime I got those random bbm's with questions and concerns and although Tal thought she was bugging me....I smiled at almost every one of them knowing that she honestly wanted to win.

After months of preparation, throwing nerves out the door and letting out more of her bubbly personality, Talia placed 2nd at the coronation (1st Runner-up) and took home the two most meaningful sectional prizes - Miss Congeniality and Miss Beauty with a Purpose. Both awards proved that she has shown her true colours and they have been acknowledged.

Talia answering her top 5 question (photo by Campus Beat Online)

Her confidence and stage presence spoke volumes, but seeing her perform her talent piece that we both worked so hard on, that was when I felt most proud.

Talia during her talent piece titled 'Reggae Journey.' (photo by Campus Beat Online)

I really am very proud of her and I know that this was an amazing opportunity for her and that there's lots more in store for her!

Congratulations too to Miss UWI 2012 Sanneta Myrie and second runner up Danielle Morrison. Check out the Miss UWI 2012 Facebook page for more photos and info from the event.

Also remember that to keep on the look out for more from Talia...especially since she'll be working with me as a part of the Bloom Foundation for Education team!

in the name of charity

Thursday was a great day!

Remember the Ash Wednesday BBQ I told you all about? The one that Syndicate Events held with part proceeds going to the Jamaica Association for the Deaf?

Lil sis, my hunni and I at the Syndicate Events Charity BBQ.
Photo: Fern Elise

Well, the event was a success and on Thursday I visited my little kids at Danny Williams School for the Deaf with the Syndicate Events team and Miss UWI 2012 contestant (and my friend) Talia Soares to handover the proceeds and give the kids a little treat.

Yup! I not only got the chance to see my little kids, but I also got the chance to put a little in that large bucket of needs and make them smile. =]

Thanks to sponsors and the Syndicate team the school received some chicken (courtesy of CB Chicken), 2 fliptop laptops (courtesy of LIME) and JA$100,000 which was raised through the BBQ.

The handover: the Syndicate Events team, Talia, a senior teacher from the school, JAD PR officer, myself and some of the kids. (photos: JDash)

After the handover we treated the kids to ice cream (thanks to Talia). They definitely enjoyed it and we somewhat felt sorry that we gave them a sugar rush and left them with their teachers. lol

Miss UWI 2012 contestant Talia Soares scooping out ice cream with me. (photos: JDash)

It was fun and I'm really glad I gave Talia and the guys from Syndicate Events a chance to interact with the kids and assist them through their donations. I know there is still so much more to be done and the Kimberley Sherlock/Bloom Foundation for Education partnership with Syndicate Events and Talia Soares is not yet done!

Signing the visitor book (photos: JDash)

A million thanks again to the Syndicate Events team...your donation and assistance really means a lot to me.


Do you want to help too? Ask me how!

surfs up!

A few weeks ago my hunni and I decided to go surfing....yup right here in Jamaica.

Let's not focus on my 'gym-needy' body lol

We had our class at the Copa Cobana Beach which isn't too far out from Harbor View. Our instructor named Luke has been surfing for quite some time now, and has even competed internationally in surfing tournaments (which is pretty darn cool if you ask me).

Now just to clear things up, I've been a bit afraid of sea water, because in the past I've come really close to drowning in the ocean. It's not that I can't save myself if needs be...but it's quite obvious how the pool and beach are two different situations!


So I honestly was really nervous to surf, but Luke was really cool and understood the situation with my nerves. He was there motivating us even though the wave just about ate you when you didn't keep balance on the board. lol

 Also, as you can see the surfing beach we went to isn't one of those 'white sandy beaches' you usually hear about when persons talk about Jamaica. This one is a 'black sand beach',and because of that, it isn't a perfectly manicured beach with no stones and all that stuff. With that said, I will admit that I did come home with a few scrapes from the times I did fall off the board, but there were really no major stones with sharp edges like that of daggers.

Anywho, I can admit that I was extremely impressed with myself! Although I did fall off (or jump off) the board a couple times well, I also surfed a wave all the way to the beach....and I made it just about half way for another wave or two. This of course surprised my hunni and the other guys we were with, especially since Luke says usually the girls come and just chill and watch.

yay me for being out of the norm!

Overall it was really fun. I never imagined I would be at a point where I'm brave enough to try it, but now I can say 'I've surfed in Jamaica' or 'I've surfed before.'

I will tell you though....it was definitely a workout and my arms felt it for days!!!! Surfing 100% reminded me that I really need to get myself back in the gym and work on toning my body and improving my overall fitness.

None the less, you guys should definitely try it if you get the chance. Break out of your shell and try something new......you only life once, you're only young once and there's no reason why you shouldn't enjoy life to the max!

blooming excited

I'm so excited and I just can't hide it!

This week I got the final logo for my charity....and I love it! I'm glad to have talented friends who can understand what I mean when I say 'you know....something like that and this together.' lol

I've got a million thanks to my friend Lauren who did the logo for me although just for kicks she had me waiting for ages! hmph

Anywho....here it is!

Graphics by: Lauren Watkis

For copyright reasons (among others) I'll only be releasing this copy; but get acquainted with the logo because hopefully by May we'll be all over the place working to have scholarships available for the 2012/2013 academic year!

Oh and you can check out more of Lauren's work at www.behance.net/laurenwatkis

But....you're probably wondering what the foundation is all about....

Bloom Foundation for Education is a non-profit organization that aims to improve the educational opportunities available to special needs students in Jamaica. Currently we are working with the Jamaica Association for the Deaf to make student scholarships available for the 2012/2013 academic year, and to complete special projects to improve the facilities available at their various Deaf schools. 

As the foundation grows, we hope to provide additional services and opportunities including mentorship; as well as to work with other special needs groups. For now though, we are working closely with two Deaf schools in Papine, St Andrew and will be focusing on getting donors and sponsors to help alleviate the financial strain that many parents face.

So there's the basic idea of it all. We are now looking for volunteers and sponsors to come on board and be a part of the team, so feel free to contact me if you want to learn more about the Bloom Foundation for Education.

Look out for more blooming updates...especially the Coffee For Charity campaign. =]

charity BBQ this Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is this week and I know most persons have absolutely nothing planned (except for probably church in the morning or something).

I'm inviting all folks in Jamaica to come out and start the lenten period with a charity barbeque. The event is being held by Syndicate Events - known for Absinthe and Igloo; and is in aid of the Jamaica Association for the Deaf.

If you want to see the even on Facebook, click here.....otherwise, here's all the details!

Syndicate Events Charity BBQ!

Date: Wednesday February 22, 2012 (yes I know the flyer says 2011...oops)

Time: 2pm to 10pm

Location: House of Kumasi (170 Cyprus Drive Belvedere, Red Hills)

Cost: $1000 and you can get chicken, pork or fish (refreshments on sale)

Music by: Kingston All Stars and guest DJ's

As you should know by now this charity is close to my heart so I'm super happy that they will be helping them out....and you can help out too.

Special thanks to all the corporate partners helping to make the event possible (Red Stripe, CB Chicken, Bad Dawg Sausages, Tru Juice - Official Juice Mixer, Worthy Gold Premium Jamaica Rum, Bullet Energy Drink, Jamaica Co-Operative Credit Union League, Bar On Wheels, FAME 95 FM, ZIP 103 FM, Main Event, Elite Catering and Carimed)

If you're in Jamaica link me for tickets...and if you're overseas I can let you know how you can help.

that one person

Having a great day with all going well? Ok, maybe it's not the best most exciting day...but it's a good one.

Then there's that one person you interact with that seems to just pop your bubble with a single word, phrase or conversation. 

DON'T LET THAT HAPPEN!

Sometimes you really can't avoid someone....and maybe even the convo you have with them just changes your mood a bit....but don't allow it to takeover your mood for the whole day.

Find the happy music, remember that motivational quote, think about that hilarious moment with a friend or in an extreme case, call someone to blow off the steam.

Each day is a blessing so it isn't worth spending your day miserable or stressed over one person (or even a few).

Make the best of each day....don't let negatives bring you down!

45-minute dress

The other night I was influenced by the design and sew bug (yes believe it or not I can do a bit of that).

I got my mom to do some of the fine-tuning when I got tired of doing it all (the somewhat short attention span is the issue) but more or less it was me. =]

The influence of course are the cute free flowing dresses that are perfect for spring. What's cute is that the material I used has tiny yellow and green flowers on the navy blue background.

I don't love the pic.....but it's the best one showing the dress.

All I added to complete it was a children's belt (yes that's right I shopped in the little kids department), simple accessories (because I had a play-date and meeting at a school that afternoon) and of course my handbag and wedges.

Although there really is no pattern that I can share with you...I can tell you that you can use a dress you already own, inexpensive material, and just a few minutes. =]

cool inventions and ideas

Browsing the net I've stumbled upon some very interesting pics showing off various 'inventions' made to help make life easier (which is generally what an invention is all about).

Kudos to the inventors because these are some pretty darn creative things....I really do wonder though how well they've caught on with the mainstream crowd?

This is definitely something my heel tips would love! My only concern is whether or not it messes up the look of the shoe, and just how well does it work in the grass?

I figure this is a God-send for an amateur dinner host, or the new waiters at the local hot spot who haven't mastered the art of juggling trays.

I think initially I would be a bit freaked out if I saw a doorknob like this. Then on second thought, it makes things seem a bit more warm and welcoming....

Considering that right now there is only 1 USB port working on my laptop....this could be pretty cool.

Finely chopped vegetables made easy! I would imagine that this eliminates the possibility of chopping a finger....

Perfect for obsessive-compulsive individuals. Not sure if I would use if on my hair.....but it would surely make cutting straight lines easier!

The only problem I see with this one....it does nothing for those shaky hands that mess up the photo =/

Finally! With this, the idea of sharing an umbrella seems a lot less likely that someone will get soaked.

Ahm....well....this somewhat reminds me of the very frugal lady who recycles her 'toilet clothes' instead of buying toilet paper *shudders at the thought of where that little mitt would go*

The perfect solution for the lady/family with lots of shoes! It would surely get rid of the shoes at the foot of the stairs in my house.

So one is going to just walk around with the grid shirt just incase his/her back begins to itch??? Kinda odd...

Now this is just pretty darn cool! A whole new outlook on the idea of a 'folding chair.'

Hmm...by squeezing the top of the blue sphere soap goes directly into the sponge.......ok then........

Wall corners can no longer act as a valid excuse for not having photos up on your wall!

Not sure just how effective this is, but I'm 100% sure that it looks more socially acceptable than the 'kid leash' that I've seen parent's use at large gatherings.

So that's about it. Maybe as I carry on with my Google searches I'll buck up on a few more cool inventions and ideas!

Share if you've seen any!

ABC's of life

Little after posting my AlphabetChallenge post this week, a friend sent me this picture depicting the ABC's of Life by Jerry Criss aka Mr Positive who posts daily motivation bits on his Facebook page.

I particularly love 'Z - Zealously support a worthy cause' especially since I wholeheartedly believe in philanthropy (vote here for my charity to win a paint makeover) and have plans in motion to start my own philanthropic organization.

On another note....maybe for my next AlphabetChallenge I'll use these phrases instead. =]