#ReadingChallange: The Shack

#ReadingChallenge

If this is your first time tuning in to my #ReadingChallenge, here's the skinny: For 2013 one of my personal challenges is to read one book a month. This has in turn become a blog challenge where I review each book I read and where necessary get some influences from each book.

I waited for months for 'The Shack' by WM Paul Young to get around my family before I could get the chance to read it.

I'll admit that I wanted to read it more so I could get into the excitement and to be able to actively join in on the conversations...I guess you could consider my reading it as somewhat 'peer pressure.'

Honestly, the first chapter or so was a bore to read. I think I may have expected the excitement of it all to start from page one; or at least that there would have been some captivating storyline. Young explained that the book was written based on conversations with the main character of the book - Mackenzie Phillips - who is said to have had the experience with the shack in question.


My first puzzled look came after the big tragedy (I won't go into much detail since you may actually want some kind of surprise should you decide to read it). Some of the events surrounding it seemed too 'coincidental' to be true, and while anything could have happened and all that jazz, it was [for lack of a better term] 'too perfect a tragedy.'

As I continued going through the book there were ups and downs. At times Young was amazingly descriptive and I almost felt that I was there; then at another point it was almost as though he was lost in thought and rambled for a few paragraphs.

I've read other Christian books in the past, and while they may not have been solely focused on the bible, there was mention or reference to it at least once. Bearing in mind that The Shack is of a Christian context, I know I was expecting the pop up of a bible verse or two....if not literally, then at least in a strong figurative sense that was simply enough for even a new believer to grasp.


My #ReadingChallenge rating for The Shack:

In a nutshell....the author's conversations with Phillips must have been pretty boring conversation at times. Maybe I expected too much from the text, but I was honestly a bit disappointed with the storyline. On the other hand, it does have strong and moving spiritual aspects, but I'm still a bit puzzled that it had nothing specifically tied back to the bible. I hoped for an awesome eye-opener, but got an ok read instead.


If you give this book a read, comment on this post and let me know what you think of it!

#ReadingChallenge: Untold Story

#ReadingChallenge

If this is your first time tuning in to my #ReadingChallenge, here's the skinny: For 2013 one of my personal challenges is to read one book a month. This has in turn become a blog challenge where I review each book I read and where necessary get some influences from each book.

Princess Diana could easily be called the world's sweetheart, and though she died when I was really young, when I saw Untold Story by Monica Ali I couldn't resist picking it up.

The book is a bit controversial I'm sure because it's written from the angle that Princess Diana's fatal accident was staged and that it was her way of getting out of the monarchy to enjoy life otherwise. One could easily wonder 'what would Princess Diana be like if she were still alive' and the book somewhat gives you the chance to go down that line of thinking.

I'll admit that Ali gives the story a bit of a twist by making some changes to facts (probably for legal reasons), but then giving somewhat of an inside peek into the life of Diana that only those close to her would have known (using some factual information of course). She writes from the view of different characters and sometimes things got confusing because the different characters would sometimes give the results of an issue long before explaining the problem....of even addressing it. 

Though I was intrigued to keep reading, the language used at times made it a bit of a challenge to follow. With the Princess being British there was mention of colloquial British terms that folks of the western world may not easily pick up on.

My #ReadingChallenge rating for Untold Story:

I really did want a bit more from the book than I got. It was a good story with some twists and mystery included, and although the last few chapters had me a bit shocked, I was hoping for something more 'unexpected' to happen. It was a good bit of creative writing though, and Ali did a fair job of making it feel realistic.

If you give this book a read, comment on this post and let me know what you think of it!

#ReadingChallenge: The Power of Giving

#ReadingChallenge

If this is your first time tuning in to my #ReadingChallenge, here's the skinny: For 2013 one of my personal challenges is to read one book a month. This has in turn become a blog challenge where I review each book I read and where necessary get some influences from each book.

Adding a bit of non-fiction to my list, I read 'The Power of Giving' by Azim Jamal and Harvey McKinnon. It was so good!

Some may say my opinion is biased because I already have an appreciation for philanthropy and it's benefits to the society at large....and that is one of the reasons I think it's a really good book. (duh)

Honestly though, there's also the fact that based on how the book is written, persons who wouldn't normally care much for giving back, are given simple and practical ways that you can give back to those in need without putting yourself in a challenging position.

The book is focused on 'how giving back enriches us all' and is broken down into chapters that look at the 5 W's (who, what, where, when and why) of  giving back at home, at work and in the wider community. It even adds some insight to corporate giving and includes an idea of how you can assess need, select a project/group to assist, then pool your funds/friends/resources to get the job done.

It's not a huge book either, so whether you're reading for personal or for work related reasons, the book is a great eye-opener and shouldn't be too hard on you since it has engaging content.

My #ReadingChallenge rating for The Power of Giving:

My unbiased opinion is that it really is a good book, and it's 100% worth the read whether you give back often or rarely. The language and tone are so easygoing and the book may really just give you the reminder that if you have the ability to give to someone else you should make it your moral responsibility.

If you give this book a read, comment on this post and let me know what you think of it!

GetOrganised: there's an app for that

GetOrganised

For March 2013, each Sunday I'll be helping you to GetOrganised. I'll share tips and tricks aimed at making organisation work for you...noting of course how you could possibly tweek everything to suit your needs.

So this is the fourth post in the GetOrganised series so far, and this post is specially put together for the tech fans. I've been giving different organisation tips without really putting technology in the mix, but since this is the 21st century and there's an app for everything let's consider some of the apps, websites, desktop programs and so on that can help GetOrganised.

Last year when I was hunting for some new apps to try, I came upon this site (dailytekk.com) that had an article about 100 tools, websites and apps that can help make organisation easier. I will admit that I kinda went to a sort of heaven with all the options and possibilities...and I went through every single one (obviously I had nothing else planned for that night).

I tried to select the program that I thought suited me best....and Wunderlist kinda won my heart. I even blogged about it! Since then, the Wunderlist team has done a major upgrade and premiered Wunderlist2 which has some great new features and really helps keep me in check.

If you're not quite sure what to look for here's the top three features that I look out for:

1. must be multi-platform:
This is super important if you have devices on different operating systems. Try finding a program that works with Android, Windows, Mac and everything else!

2. must be able to sync on various devices:
Your laptop, tablet and phone should be showing you the same thing regardless of which device was used when any changes were made!

3. must be user friendly: 
This tool is supposed to make your life easier...not more complex. If you need a full day of training to use the program then it may really not be the best thing for you....imagine how long it will take for you to figure things out if something goes wrong?

Of course it's been a year so some of the things listed on that page have more than likely been updated and are now a bit different. Besides Wunderlist, another option I tried was remember the milk, and although that one never stuck with me, it's loved by many of my friends.

There's also the option of using the calendar app on your laptop/tablet/phone. Not to mention the fact that every device has an app store these days, I'm sure you'll be able to find an app that is perfect for you.

Now with ideas to make life easy, plus app options to get organised on every device you own....I hope things get a bit less stressing for you. 

#ReadingChallenge: Sundays at Tiffany's

#ReadingChallenge

If this is your first time tuning in to my #ReadingChallenge, here's the skinny: For 2013 one of my personal challenges is to read one book a month. This has in turn become a blog challenge where I review each book I read and where necessary get some influences from each book.

Next on my list I checked out Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson. Yes...yes I know I'm late...but at least I read it.

Now this was definitely one of those cute love stories...but with a twist...a slightly creepy twist. Let me break it down (at least for those who didn't read the book), eight-year-old girl has a 30-year-old imaginary friend. Years later when eight-year-old girl is a fab young woman, somehow imaginary friend becomes real...and is still 30-years-old.

Then....they fall in love..............

Say what now...I'll admit I read the book thinking 'this is different.' But after finishing that last sentence and thinking back on the story (mostly for the sake of this review) it hit me that this is a bit...well it's a bit creepy...in a pedobear kinda way.

I'll be honest, it was an easy read and the storyline was interesting but it was kinda predictable (besides the creepy aspect of it). I will 100% admit that I probably kept reading because it was such an easy read.

On another note, I did expect more from the novel...more of what I'm not sure...but more of something. It's probably because persons make James Patterson sound like the god of novels. Yes the chapters were short and succinct, but the speaker changed from the girl to the guy quite often....sometimes causing me to wonder who's view I'm getting when I kinda lose track of where I was reading.

I wonder too if I'm on the fence about the book because of the fact that there are a few questions I have after reading it...questions that could have easily been answered in text, but were ignored. Maybe I'm just reading too deep into the book.

My #ReadingChallenge rating for Sundays at Tiffany's:

 

Overall it was a good book, the language, tone and setting of the novel really fit the characters and their story. I was a bit disappointed that it got more and more predictable as you got to the end of the novel...and I'll admit that I'm not sure whether it was given the 'New York Time Bestseller' title because of the author's reputation, or the book itself.

If you give this book a read, comment on this post and let me know what you think of it!

#ReadingChallenge: The Happiness Project

#ReadingChallenge

If this is your first time tuning in to my #ReadingChallenge, here's the skinny: For 2013 one of my personal challenges is to read one book a month. This has in turn become a blog challenge where I review each book I read and where necessary get some influences from each book.

For the month of February I checked out The Happiness Project by Grethen Rubin. Sounds like a good one right? I'll admit....the concept of the book is great! I mean who wouldn't want some help to make their life happier? The drawback though is that it's so filled with research that it somewhat detracts from the 'happiness' of it all.

The result of that drawback: I'm still not even half way through the book....and February is finito. I really don't think I chose the best time to read the book though. First of all it was the shortest month (if that makes any difference).

But, let me be fair....maybe it was my frame of mind that made it seem so hard to read. I had lots of work trying to get done and since I'm not a big reader, the research-like content and the tiny print (in the paperback copy I got) could very well be the reasons why I wasn't really excited to read about all the psychological and philosophical studies and explanations behind achieving happiness.

It then made me wonder if Rubin's definition of happiness was the same as mine. Consider that while she's married with kids and trying to balance all sorts of responsibilities within those circles; while I'm just here trying to get into grad school and figure out the next step in my life.

Just a thought really.....

My #ReadingChallenge rating for The Happiness Project (so far):

And this score is based on the fact that I'm not even done reading it yet. But I can definitely see where she's going and maybe later in the year I'll get back to it....hopefully soon.

If you give this book a read, comment on this post and let me know what you think of it!

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!

#ReadingChallenge: The Weird Sisters

#ReadingChallenge

If this is your first time tuning in to my #ReadingChallenge, here's the skinny: For 2013 one of my personal challenges is to read one book a month. This has in turn become a blog challenge where I review each book I read and where necessary get some influences from each book.

My first book of the year was The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown. While the ending was a bit predictable, overall the storyline was interesting, and the 'page-turning feature' was that I had the lives of 3 characters to follow while not really knowing what they will each do next.

While I get that the story is told by the sisters themselves, I really don't know which sister it is because it's written in third person narrative. A tad bit strange...for me at least, but it was a nice change in comparison to other books I've read.

To be honest I picked up the book while in a pharmacy with my little sister. When I read the summary on the back I gave her a look-see and her first comment was "Oh 3 sisters like us! Sounds good so buy it." I'll admit I was a bit skeptical (at that time I hadn't 100% decided on my reading challenge) but decided to run with it....I was definitely not disappointed!

I see the birth order theories come out in the sisters and the dynamics of a close family and sibling relations. Also in the mix is the toss up between staying close to home and going as far away as possible. Outside of that you get even a bit of romance with each sister taking on relationships in their own very distinct way.

The first drawback I consider with the book was that some things just seemed to take forever to get explained...or got unnecessarily repeated at times. The only other challenge for me personally was the Shakespeare references. I've read 'concise Shakespeare' but never really delved into the various stories so sometimes the references left me up in the air about what the heck they meant lol. But the summary of the novel did clearly state that the father was all about his Shakespeare soooo I really kinda put myself in this position.

I can't say that the sister's represent exactly how my sisters and I are, but there are some similarities that more often than not had me laughing about it all. The plan is to have my older sister read the book next and get her to give me her thoughts on it...she's much more of a reader so I know she'll be done with it in no time. 

My #ReadingChallenge rating for The Weird Sisters:

Worth checking out, and I figure that if you're into Shakespeare it'll be a great read for you.

If you give this book a read, comment on this post and let me know what you think of it!

super healthy potato chips

The average person sees potato chips and says 'oh yea these look good.'

But then there are the not so average people (like me) who read food packages and nutrition labels; comparing the calories, fat, carbs, sodium and vitamins and minerals before purchasing a snack (unless I really feel for a specific thing).

This week I met potato chips from heaven that are neither baked nor fried, and are gluten-free and vegan approved- Pop Chips.

It's almost like a potato chip for everyone, but of course the only problem is that there is as much air in the package as there are chips -_-

I tasted the plain chips, and to be honest I did consider how much nicer it probably would have tasted with a hint of salmon cream cheese. Honestly though it was a nice snack to curb that 'post-breakfast but pre-lunch' hunger that hit me. I figure the flavoured ones are nice too (and probably don't need any additions).

After some Googling I noticed that these chips are honestly like 'the international healthy potato chips'...and if you don't believe me, you can check it out on their website where the nutritional facts are available for all their products (they definitely make use of their website!).

I'm working on getting back in shape so finding the healthy snacks is a MUST because I'm quite the snack-er! 1 snack down, many others to go!

W: Wunderlist review

AlphabetChallenge

I've promised to share my organisation secret with you all....and here it is!

WUNDERLIST

I know the name sounds odd but that's the task management software that I use to keep everything in check. It's a free program and it can be downloaded on your desktop, phone or tablet from their website.

Now, what makes it great is some of the features that help you organise tasks the way you want them to be organised.
 - I can star the important tasks
 - I can add notes to each task to explain the who, what, where, when and why
 - I can put each task in a specific list (with each list specific to a project or job)
 - I can give each task a due date....and set a reminder closer to the time it's due

And to top it off........I can sync the lists on each device I've downloaded Wunderlist to (although there is no BlackBerry version so it's currently only on my desktop) and I can share lists with other persons whether they have the program or not (of course it makes more sense if they have it too so they can add and remove tasks as they are completed).

All in all it's an easy to use program and it helps keep you on top of things by showing each day's tasks in one list and even giving another list of those overdue items I've been putting off or those I've forgotten.

Initially I was using it on my own to feel it out; but now I've decided to get the rest of the Bloom Foundation for Education board using it so that we can keep up with the things to do and what's been done without having to always be sending emails with the info.

So while I could go on about how glad I am that I found Wunderlist....I have this week's things to do list to put into my Wunderlist....so toodles!

Q: queen Kim...over and out

AlphabetChallenge

It was a dream of mine to be a princess....and since I know Disney princesses were all already taken and the royal family was a bit far.....I knew a pageant princess and queen would suit me just perfectly.
May 2011 marked the beginning of the journey, and as such, May 2012 means it's been a year since I was crowned Miss Jamaica Global International 2011..and it is time to pass on the crown.

The journey has been a unique one...at least it was unique to me because I had various expectations, and of course because the journey could only have been as good as I made it. Obviously there were ups-and-downs as I worked to finish my degree and balance the meetings and preparations I had for internationals.

Following that there was the amazing week I had entertaining beautiful ladies from around the world here in my island home. We've been sure to keep up with each other regardless of the differences in time, and I honestly do hope that in time I'll be able to travel to them to enjoy even just a week in each country.

Also in the mix of it all, I worked alongside my adopted charity - Danny Williams Primary School for the Deaf and I enjoyed every minute of it. This actually was what I spent most of my reign doing, and I enjoyed it so much that I continue to work with them and have a number of projects lined up all with the goal of helping the school overcome some of their challenges.

I've had the opportunity to meet persons who otherwise I would not, and gone to places and events that without my title I may have never even considered. I enjoyed it.....all the frantic worries, the confusions and the smiles.

I guess I can honestly say that although a part of me is excited to pass on the crown on May 5th....another part of me wouldn't mind keeping it all for myself! But I have my title, photos, sashes, dresses and the many one in a million memories to hold dear....and for that reason...I'm happy.

I thank each and every person who has supported me on this journey, and for those who have asked....this may or may not be my last competition...who knows what the future holds.... =]

100th post

I was about to post my AlphabetChallenge post for this week then I noticed that it would be my 100th post.

So instead, I decided to do my 100th post separately and to do something special for you all. I know 100 posts isn't the greatest feat of them all, but my I've been told that with life being so unpredictable, you should celebrate when you can =]

I'm going to take you on highlight for you my lovely readers, 12 of  the posts I've liked most:

1. Woes of a college student was my first post and it really did just take me back to the beginning of my final year in university. By that time I had learned a lot, started balancing even more things, and in my opinion I began accepting more things as 'the realities of adult life' and all that jazz.

2. Does our education system need a change? was a big deal for me because after going into a number of schools and sharing my experiences with other educators and caregivers....this was really the question on my mind. Of course I thought about the fact that this change may be a long time coming, but will may take a longer time to get done. Who knows just how far the ideas have spread and how many people I've got thinking about it since...hopefully I've gotten enough persons thinking so that we can start seeing some changes....even if it's just at the early childhood level.

3. Do it anyway was another favourite of mine. At the time that I heard those Paradoxical Commandments, I was at an odd place, somewhat in between reality and trying to figure out the 'what next' in my life. Interestingly enough it was after really taking in those words that I fully dived into my non-profit organisation - Bloom Foundation for Education; and I love every bit of it!

4. Japan? got me excited to be honest.....but then I guess when I considered living so far away for a year and possibly not getting the chance to launch Bloom, work on grad school stuff and see my family.......I chickened out. Not too surprised at this though because I think at that point I wanted to go mostly for the chance to travel and not necessarily for the opportunity to teach English to others. My feelings will change though eventually, and maybe some other time I'll do this Japan teaching exchange program.

5. Of birthday cakes and bars was of course a favourite of mine because that was the party I planned for my hunni...with his super surprise cake that he totally loved! I still smile knowing that I actually successfully surprised him with it because I was quite worried that he would have found out some way or another (particularly through his younger brothers or my little sister). Happy I made his 21st birthday special...especially since we aren't big fans of our own birthdays but instead, or each others. =]

6. worldAIDSday - Know your status! was my way of spreading the word about some of the events happening in Kingston Jamaica for World AIDS day in 2011. I've always been told that prevention is better than cure, so I think it's important to remind persons to be proactive in protecting themselves, and to go out and get tested for not only AIDS but for other sexually transmitted diseases. On that note....you should go get tested!

7. Childhood memories was a mental throwback for me....I will admit that I had fun jumping on my bed, and I engage in the ever so fun-loving activity every now and again (when Mom is obviously not home). It was nice to recount the various things that helped to make my childhood so darn amazing!

8. Alphabet Challenge marked the beginning of my first blog challenge. The idea is that I post about a different letter each week starting of course at A. After about a month I noticed that 'posting on Mondays' wasn't going to work at all and now I pretty much just post one day during the week.....sadly it has gotten to the point where sometimes I end up posting two letter posts back to back because I'm too busy to make it happen in good time. But I'm working on it....and I've actually got another challenge when this one is finished so look out for it.

9. Blooming excited publicly marked the official beginning of my Bloom Foundation for Education journey. I'm extremely excited to help make a difference in the lives of these kids especially as it relates to their education. Of course the team and I haven't gone all out with the promotion and fundraising just yet, but listen out for us because it's all gonna be happening pretty fast. For those of you who want to know about the foundation, you can get some info on the Facebook page (click here) or you can email us at bloomfoundation4edu@gmail.com for info. Look out for our blog and website coming soon!

10. Surf's up was a post that came from an adventure! I'm a decent swimmer but surfing was never something I considered doing...especially not here in Jamaica. But when my boyfriend and I got the opportunity, we were pretty excited to do it even just for the sake of saying 'I've surfed before.' Life is unpredictable and I guess my advice is to enjoy it!

11. #TeamTal so proud .....this was one pageant journey I enjoyed from the sidelines. From the day Talia told me she was thinking of entering the competition, to even the day after the final coronation. I was glad to see that someone was able to learn from me and my previous pageant journeys. I guess it gave me that additional reminder of the purpose I have: sharing my knowledge and experiences with others so that they too can benefit. I honestly do appreciate that she came to me for help, and from it all I've not only built a friendship...but I also get to work with someone who's equally as passionate about making a difference! =]


12. L: Living by the rules of the Dalai Lama was of course an AlphabetChallenge post (note the format of the headline) but it was also a list of some things we could take into consideration to help make our lives a bit more successful, peaceful and maybe even more purpose-driven. The positivity of it really made me smile and of course got me thinking about my life and how I deal with situations. I've been told that self-improvement is one of the best ways to get closer to your full potential....so it's full speed ahead!


So there's that

Yes I know....12 is a bit of an odd number but when I scanned through the list of posts these were literally the ones that stood out for me. Maybe if I check the list tomorrow some would change but this is it now and I'm pretty happy with the selections.

Hope you all have enjoyed the first 100....there's lots more to come!

DIY: bye bye broken make-up

After buying the perfect palette and probably using it a couple times, many fab femmes have the same problem where it slips from you, falls to the floor and shatters.

Based on the stories I've heard, more often than not it happens when you're rushing to get ready and have no time to figure out how you'll fix it.

Recently it was just my luck that my pressed powder fell and cracked a bit. So I went on a hunt to find a fixer because in my mind 'this must happen to other women and there must be a way to fix this.'

TADA! The solution was right there on YouTube!

I was so excited for a solution that I forgot to take pics (sorry guys) but I've embedded the video that I used below so you can try it. There are a number of these videos on YouTube with different persons fixing their broken make-up. The methods are the same, but this is the one I thought gave the best up-close and step-by-step solution.

While the problem I had was with my pressed powder, know that it can also work with your eye shadow and blush (I tried it with blush as well...but not the eyeshadow).

So here are my recommendations:

     1. Try to find the 'perfect sizes circle' before you start 

        the process. That way you're sure it will press to fit 

        the circle better and more evenly.

     2. The alcohol they refer to is rubbing alcohol. I don't 

        know if the alcohol for drinking works....I stuck to the 

        script.

     3. Use a bobby pin or something smaller than the knife to 

        help mixing powder and the alcohol. I found it to be a 

        lot less messy. 

     4. Avoid using soft tissue! Hand towel is the best bet. The 

        softer tissues leave little bits behind.

     5. Leave the make-up open for about a day for it to dry 

        completely. It may harden pretty fast but that may not 

        mean it's fully dry underneath.

I hope this saves your broken make-up disaster!

#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!

Joyful Noise better than expected

Last week my hunny and I decided to go watch a movie.

At first I thought we were going to end up watching one of those action movies where stuff blow up and all that jazz. But on the way there, I tried to get my word in about watching Joyful Noise and he really wasn't very interested.......

I guess when we got there he had a change of heart and I got my movie! (I know of course that next time it's gonna be 'his pick' but I'm cool with that)

Anywho!

The movie is based in the usual small town where things are just 'so and so' because of hard times. They all have hopes that a local choir would be their saving grace by winning a national competition (the National Joyful Noise Competition of course).

I refuse to give out all the details of the movie but I will mention that the actors selected for the respective roles did quite well and that the directors did a great job at the scenes and music selections. There really was a mix of different things happening in the movie...a little romance, hope, family and community. The only thing it didn't have was that constant naysayer that usually comes in movies like this.

For me I really did enjoy the movie...my boyfriend at one point in the beginning said "this is like a musical....there's a song every few scenes." I merely laughed because I know he only said that because he wasn't too into the movie yet....I did remind him though that the movie is about a choir. lol

Anywho, the hunny and I did read some reviews before seeing the film and many persons mentioned that the music seemed 'off' to them and that because of the different sounds they couldn't see a niche market for the movie. I couldn't relate...probably because I grew up listening to both gospel and contemporary/secular music and I enjoy them both. I have always had an appreciation for different genres of music and I am one of those persons who think that contemporary gospel is really not a bad thing.

I think a music lover will enjoy it....the R&B, pop, gospel fusion is a nice little mix especially with those popular songs into it. Many persons say they'll wait until it comes out on tv to see it, but I think if you can check it out in theatres you should.

my love for the Devon House Bakery

I'll admit...I have a weakness for dessert! So having a bakery so close to home is like a daily temptation.

Initially to be honest, I didn't love much about the Devon House Bakery (called Brick Oven at that time), but then I believe they changed management and from there the place became a little pocket of greatness. =]

The star of the bakery I think is their patties. Although it costs a bit more than the average patty, It has lots more meat making it a lot tastier, more filling and definitely worth every dollar.

patty from Devon House Bakery

I personally love the fish, shrimp and lobster patties. I'm generally not a fan of beef and chicken so I've had neither, but based on my sister's review: they're good too.

In addition to the great patties, of course there's a case full of different pastries and a cooler full of various beverages. While I've just about had a taste of everything in the showcase, I ca say for sure that the stand out pastries for me are the turnovers and the toto (a Jamaican coconut cake almost).

The cookies, cakes and danishes are good too, and their cinnamon roll drizzled with a little icing sugar is the perfect compliment for morning coffee!

Newho, while the bakery is all lovely and stuff, be sure to enjoy other things on the property. Indulge in the Devon House ice cream (which is the 4th best place in the world to eat ice-cream), have sip of wine at Bin26, check out the shops and to take a tour of the great house (which has a pretty cool story behind it).

Now after writing this I'm hungry.....so off to find lunch!

JMTC's Hercules: definitely worth it!

I took my Mom, Grandma and lil sister to see Hercules by the Jamaica Junior Theatre Company and overall it really was a good show. Besides the difficulties sometimes to hear (probably because of where we were seated) it really was a good production from start to finish.

The first thing I shall say here is that Disney movies are near and dear to my little heart.

Those are the things I grew up on and got excited about as a child. In some instances I dreamt of being a particular character, had merchandise that bore their face and name....(don't act like you didn't have them too)....and of course owned the movies on VHS (and for some movies I also had the soundtrack because it was just totally worth it).

Anywho, I say all that to pretty much say: I had some high expectations when I entered the theatre!

The first thing Mom noted was how great the costumes looked and I surely had to agree. I even got a few ideas for random outfit refixes and combinations and all that jazz. Kudos too to the team that put the set together. I noticed a great use of space with simple but totally relevant props to help bring it all together. Of course I couldn't ignore the fact that the technical crew helped to make sure that onstage the amazing set and costumes were complimented with excellent lighting and sound effects (insert here the movement of Zeus' thunderbolt with perfect lighting and sound effects).

One thing I couldn't go without commending are the performers. With even the youngest performers you could see the dedication and passion as they performed. Of course there are some who's singing/acting/dancing skills are more advanced than others, but that didn't change how well they got into character. This to me acted as a reminder of just how talented Jamaicans are! =]

I think overall my favourites were probably Mischief and Mayhem (minions of Hades - God of the Underworld). They really seemed to have gotten into character and as Mom said "I can only imagine how things are if they really are best friends."

The muses were also very good, and they really brought me back to the Disney movie I watched as a child.

All in all, I really did enjoy it and I'm now feeling motivated to take out my Disney classics and watch the movie again!

On another note, though, it warms my heart knowing that the proceeds will be going to charity. I feel good about the fact that the selected charity will one for children (since that's my passion) and that I added to the pool of funds that will help make a difference in someone else's life.

But back to you going to see the show! You've got until February 19th to check it out and in my opinion you really have no excuse!

Who/What: Jamaica Junior Theatre 2012 Production - Hercules
Where: The Phillip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts
When: Until February 19th

I do urge you all to check it out, it's a fun show and it's all for a good cause! =]