Category: More

5 Ways to Travel Smarter, Not HARDER!

by http://242blqrze.com, posted in Lifestyle, More, Travel, Travel

Hello Beautiful,

I’ve recently traveled to Nashville, Tennessee and that trip inspired me in so many ways! By the time that this post is up, You would’ve heard all about My trip to Nashville already.

And if you haven’t… head over to my “Nassau Gal in Nashville” blog post, where I go more in-depth about my time in Nashville. However in this post, I wanted to give you 5 tips on how to travel smarter!

I’ve been traveling for most of my life, but now that I’m an adult, I’m finding more and more ways to save money and be more productive on my trips. These tips are for anyone because EVERYONE travels!

So let’s get started…

Tip 1: Long Layovers or Delays?… Read!

During my travels to Nashville, I took a plane from Nassau, Bahamas to Fort Lauderdale, Florida first, then a plane from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Nashville Tennessee.

The wait between Fort Lauderdale and Nashville was about 3 hours long. Normally, I would just connect to the airport WiFi and scroll the ‘gram, but this time my friend encouraged Me to purchase some reading material for the wait.

Smart Idea! As there was a magazine stand ahead, and I’ve been meaning to purchase some new fashion magazines anyway!

Occupying your mind during a long or unexpected wait also saves you from spending money in the airport’s overpriced restaurants and souvenir shops.

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Tip 2: Let Your Hotel Save You Money!

Did you know your Hotel could save you money on Food and Transportation?

I’m picky when it comes to where I lay my head. That use to override the cost for me all the time! I would want to stay in an expensive hotel, just because the Lobby was pretty. Yet, I still had to pay a lot per night with nothing extra except housekeeping.

On this trip I thought SMART! Instead of staying in a super stylish hotel, I opted for an Embassy Suite. And here’s why…

A. It offered Airport Shuttle, which was a FREE ride to and from the hotel along with a FREE ride anywhere within 3 miles of the Hotel.

B. It had complimentary made-to-order American style breakfast every morning and a complimentary cocktail hour in the afternoon.

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That means I saved money on transportation to and from the airport. I saved on one meal every day, and believe me it was delicious!! And I saved on drinks. Who doesn’t like a free “turn up?”

Tip 3: Lyft Less!

Lyft seems to be the new transportation craze, and I must admit it’s pretty awesome.

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During the Nashville trip, my friend and I used a Lyft account. At first it started out effective cost wise and time wise, but soon it started to get expensive even though we were splitting the cost.

Believe me boo, $11.00, 2 – 3 times per day can add up!

Then it hit me, we were Lyfting wrong!

We were so excited to see Nashville, we were like we’ll go here and Lyft. Go there and Lyft. Come back and Lyft again.

However, the smart thing would’ve been to make a list of all the places we wanted to go to in a close proximity and average out the time we would spend there.

Then take one Lyft to that area. Once there, walk to different locations and maximize the time there.

Then, take a Lyft back tot he hotel.

4. Split & Share… Smart Idea!

Traveling with some can be fun! Especially a fun-loving friend or a funny family member!

The second best part about travelling with some else, is you get to experience more stuff for the price of one!

My friend and I split and shared cost from the hotel room, to the Lyft rides, to food.

One of the best ways to do this is with Food.

Chose a restaurant, you’d both like to try or one that, one of you have never tried before.

You select one thing off the menu and your friend select another.

Then ask for an additional plate, and split the food.

Enjoy your meal, then split the bill!

That way, you’ve both just had two dishes for the price of one meal.

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5. Smile and ask Questions!

My plane ride from Nassau to Nashville wasn’t a connecting flight, but it was two separately booked flights. One from Nassau to Lauderdale, and one from Lauderdale to Nashville.

Because they were two separately booked flights, ideally I would have to claim my bags twice (once in Lauderdale and once in Nashville). However, the smartest move my friend and I could’ve made on this trip was to ask the airline rep to check us all the way through. After all we were using the same airline.

A smile and a question saved me $50 dollars in checked in luggage and the hassle of having to go to baggage claim in one state to check in again for another!

A question and a smile also saved us money in transportation one day! Instead of paying $11+ with Lyft, we got a free bus ride to Nashville bus station and directions on a $2 bus ride to our next attraction.

I’m telling you… a smile and a question can save you on much more than you think!

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So there you have it! 5 ways to Travel Smarter.

Spring Break is here, Summer is about to make a comeback and that means more time to travel at your leisure!

So if you’re thinking about taking a trip, remember these 5 tips.

Safe and Smart Travels, Beautiful.

Xo.

Conesha

Nassau Gal in Nashville!

by http://242blqrze.com, posted in Lifestyle, More, Travel

Hello Beautiful!

If You’re reading this, it means I made it back home safely from my trip to Nashville, Tennessee, USA and I have lots to tell you!

So let’s get started…

I visited Nashville, Tennessee for the first time last month for 4 days and 3 nights. The primary reason for my trip was to attend one of my friends’ and high school classmate’s wedding.

My excitement mostly came from me knowing I was going to visit a new state for the first time. I love first times!

Once I got to Nashville I quickly found out one of the reasons they called it music city. There was a gentleman in the airport Lobby, singing and playing guitar. I knew right then Nashville had character and I loved it!

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Shortly after, I hopped into my airport shuttle and headed to my home, away from home for the next 4 days. I stayed at the Embassy Suites Nashville Airport – affordable, lots of perks, and good reviews!

There are a few hotels close by the airport in Nashville. If you’re thinking of visiting Nashville, I suggest you stay in one, as most offer free transportation to and from the airport and daily complimentary breakfast. That was two of the main reasons why I stayed at the Embassy Suites.

One thing I’ll say about staying in the Embassy Suites Nashville Airport hotel, the higher up the room, the better the view but the lower the floor, the better the wi-fi.

After I got all checked in and dropped off my luggage it was time to LYFT to the Mall. Comment below if you use LYFT in the USA. I want to hear about your experiences with the service.

It was another first for me using LYFT and I liked it a lot.

Nashville has a mall called Opry Mills, similar to the Sawgrass Mills in Broward and Franklin Mills in Philadelphia. I didn’t spend much time in the mall as this wasn’t a shopping trip but I would love to go back when I return again.

 

Later that night my friend and I went to UP, Rooftop Lounge. It’s a chic little spot that offers a nighttime view of Downtown Nashville, and an angle of the Nashville skyline which is so beautiful in the night.

I ordered a fruity Sangria with red wine, and some Nashville Hot Chicken tacos with ranch dressing. The waiter raved that their tacos were rated #3 in the city of Nashville, and I quickly tasted why! They were very spicy, filling and delicious.

 

The next day was my friend’s wedding, and even though it rained hard in Nashville that day, it was a beautiful ceremony and reception! It was held at this cabin style auditorium that was different from anything I’ve ever seen in the islands. As if the actual auditorium wasn’t handsome enough and the location in the woods such a beauty, you should’ve seen the bride and groom and their bridal party! So beautiful, so stylish!

The night ended with a peach spritzer, lots of dancing and a dead cellphone. Hence why, I don’t have a lot of pictures of the fun.

 

Now, we’re on the third day! Day 3 was the adventure day and I was ready! But this day turned out to be more of an adventure than I expected.

In preparation for Nashville, I googled “things to do in Nashville” and Instagram searched “Nashville Attractions”. So when I got to Nashville, I already had 3 things I wanted to see and do in mind!

BlqRze’s Nashville Must See List:

  1. Kelsey Montague Wings
  2. Statue of the Greek Goddess Athena & the Parthenon Replica
  3. The Nashville Zoo

The only thing I didn’t accomplish on this list was visiting the Zoo. But that’s okay because it was replaced with quality time with old and new friends, and I did something I always wanted to do but never thought I would… RIDE A MECHANICAL BULL!

My travel buddy and I got a LYFT to the Nashville Gulch area. Our driver dropped us off opposite a lifestyle merchandise store called “Two Old Hippies”. Don’t you like the sound of that? Nashville has a hippie vibe to it. Very free-spirited.

Two Old Hippies is on the corner of 12th and Pine in the Nashville Gulch Area, and its made of red clay brick, as is a lot of buildings in Nashville. The brick wall made for an awesome back drop and right there I had a photo shoot (lol).

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Not far from there was the Kelsey Montague Wings #WhatLiftsYou Wall Mural, and I was in all my glory! However, we weren’t the only ones there to get lifted. There was a line to take pictures in front of the wings, and we humbly waited our turn.

This day was a beautiful day in Nashville! The sun actually shined that day and the weather was pretty consistent.

One thing about Nashville, the weather is bi-polar. Its hot, then cold, then rainy, then cloudy. One of our LYFT drivers said. “There’s a saying in Nashville. “If you don’t like the weather here right now, just wait 30 minutes.”” Oh, how true that saying really is!

 

After we left the Wings, we headed to the Parthenon on a $2.00 bus ride through Downtown, Nashville.

The Parthenon is a full-scale replica of the original in Athens, Greece. It sits as the centrepiece in Nashville’s Centennial Park . Inside is the real treat though!

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On the second floor of the museum is a 42-foot statue of the Greek Goddess Athena. She was a sight to see! The gold, the details, the artistry of her was something I will never forget.

 

Later, we caught up with our newly married friends for food. One of our friends is strictly Vegan, and took us to a really popular vegan spot in Nashville called The Wild Cow. Here’s where the real adventure came in.

I’m a picky eater and the complete opposite of vegan, but I opted to try it for my friend. Remember, I like first times… and this would be my first time eating Vegan. Let’s just say, it wasn’t my “taste” but the vegan wine was divine. I liked it!

 

By this time, everyone was tired but not too tired to experience some real honky-tonk underground bars, and in my case mechanical bull riding and karaoke.

Although I can’t remember the exact names of the bars we visited, I do believe we were in the Lower Broadway area in Down Town Nashville. I enjoyed the live Country Rock music, and as shy as I am, I got up on staged with my new friend and sang Patti Labelle’s Lady Marmalade karaoke style! Another first!

Lastly, I mounted the Mechanical Bull. It was bigger than I expected and a little uncomfortable at first. But once I got on good, it was time to ride! First time baby and I actually stayed on longer that I thought I would!

To see a short clip of me singing karaoke and riding the bull, head over to my Instagram page here, @242blqrze. Be sure to  follow for more pictures and videos of my travels, and comment below to ask me any questions you may have about my experiences.

 

The next day it was time to go back home and I was sad to leave Nashville.

Honestly, I didn’t have Nashville on My Places to Go list, but I’m happy my friend gave me a good reason to visit and experience it.

I didn’t get to eat the famous Nashville Hot Chicken, nor visit the Zoo! So I will be back there soon. Maybe the next time I go, I’ll see you there!

See more pictures from My Nashville trip below:

 

Xo

Conesha

Munchies for Menchies!

by http://242blqrze.com, posted in Blq Bite's, FOOD, Lifestyle, More, Uncategorized

Hello Beautiful,

Nassau has a new Froyo spot (possibly the only one on the island) and its the new craze!

I can guarantee you, if you’re a Bahamian instagrammer, you’ve definitely seen one of your Bahamian instafriends posting a pic of a purple bowl of frozen yogurt, hash tagged #MenchiesBahamas.

Menchies is an American frozen yogurt chain, that recently made its way to the Bahamas’ shores. It is actually named after the pet name the founder called his wife! How sweet is that?

Menchies Bahamas celebrated their grand opening on February 25th, but I went in a day earlier to check out the new spot, and I was delighted I did.

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From I walked in I met Alicia. She’s the littlest person behind the counter with the biggest “Hello! Welcome to MENCHIES!” served with a smile. She encourages you to sample the flavours on the wall free of charge before creating your own Menchies bowl.

You know no one can deny a little “Free.99” in my Kanye West – The New Workout Intro Voice.

So I grabbed me 3 sample cups, and headed over to try the Froyo & Sorbet flavours.

Froyo is short for Frozen Yogurt, and as the name suggest it is a frozen dessert made with yogurt and other diary products. It’s considered to be a healthier alternative for ice-cream, as it is lower in fat due to being made with milk instead of cream.

I looked at the options on the wall and chose 3 out of 10 to sample. I sampled the Take the Cake Batter yogurt, the Pink Lemonade sorbet and the Original Tart yogurt.

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The Take the Cake Batter yogurt was my favourite. I suggest you try it if it’s available when you visit Menchies!

Although Menchies Bahamas has over 100 flavours to chose from, they display 10 at a time, so that everyone can get a chance at their favourite.

After sampling my 3 flavours, I grabbed a bowl and started mixing my personal Menchies creation. I mixed the Take the Cake Batter yogurt with the Pink Lemonade sorbet and headed over to the toppings sections.

Menchies offers a range of toppings from nuts, candies, fruits, cool whip and more!

Oh and get this! The scoopers in the toppings are either solid beige, or clear. The solid beige scoopers warn against most allergy triggers such as nuts. So if you’re allergic to nuts, stay away from the beige scoopers… only pick up the clear ones!

I topped my yogurt and sorbet mixed with the Strawberry bursting bobas (yumm!), blueberries, raspberries, and pineapples.

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Menchies has a Mix – Weigh – Pay set up! So the amount you pay is all up to you! A bowl can average about $10. However your price can be more or less, depending on how heavy or light you make your mix.

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Menchies has a little something for every one – young and old, lactose intolerant, or diabetic! Just read the fun signs on the wall for information that may be helpful to you!

I love Menchies already! The ambience, the selections, and staff makes me want to visit every week.

You can make Your visit toMenchies a family outing or a date for two!

See more of My visit to Menchies Bahamas below:

 

HOW TO: Ball on a Budget at Dinner/Girls Night Out

by http://242blqrze.com, posted in HOW TO, Lifestyle, More, Uncategorized

Hello Beautiful!

First off, I want to thank you for all the “InstaLove” I’ve been getting from You! Picture number 20 (from the top) on Instagram surely got more likes than I expected but I am grateful. So if you’re not following me on Instagram, do so now at @242blqrze!

So this year I have a few goals I want to accomplish that requires me to be smart with my coins (money). However, everyone needs a good time now and again… especially when it’s to celebrate you and/or your loyal friends and family.

So I came up with 5 Tips to “secure the bag” but still have a good time:

1.Plan Ahead:

Let’s say you got invited out to eat, maybe in advance or at short notice, and you’re not sure you can afford it, but you don’t want to decline.

Ask your friend or family the name of the restaurant and quickly look it up on your smart device. Pull up the menu and scan over it for the options you COULD afford.

Once you’ve done that, you’ll already know what to order at the restaurant and won’t become sidetracked by other peoples’ options, pressuring you to order something over your budget.

2.Dress for Less

Have you ever got all dressed up, went out and NO ONE saw you? Or you didn’t take any pictures? Well thats the dress/outfit you want to wear again, but possibly switch up your shoes and/or accessories.

Wearing an old, or less popular item from your closet allows you to look brand new on your night out, without having to buy anything new!

This saves you from spontaneous shopping, buyer’s remorse and going over your budget for one night out!

3.Ask Youtube!

Girlfriend, if this is not your birthday, your party or your dinner, there is no need for you to spend money to get your hair, nails and makeup done.

Simply look up hairstyles, makeup tips, and nail art tricks on Youtube to help you get ready for your night on the town. Sure you may not be as advanced as the beauty gurus, but there are a lot of simple and quick ways you can enhance your beauty for one night.

Now if it is YOUR big night… I say go all out!

4. Carry Exact Cash + Some Change

The easiest way to spend your coins, is travelling with more than you need!

Once you’ve already decided what you’re ordering off the menu, add that plus gratuity and tax… then take about $20-$30 extra incase your calculations aren’t correct. So if your meal  and drink should cost about $50, then you take $70. And no more than that!

Leave your credit cards, and debit cards home! These are temptation to spend more than you want to and absolutely need to.

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Now, if you’re a just in case person and concern about an emergency… take your debit card, “just in case”. But try your hardest to be disciplined and stick to the plan you set up from Tip #1.

5. Drive Your Own Car

This may sound obvious right?… but hear me out!

Unless it is in your plan (and budget) to bar hop all night… you should drive your own car and leave when you plan to. A good time isn’t determined by how late you stay out. It only matters if you had fun.

When you carpool with friends you become obligated to go where they go. Another restaurant, a small bar, or 2 clubs…all in one night and all over your budget.

It’s okay to tell your friends you’re “good for the night” and leave, because more than likely you’ll want to go out again next week, and the week after that.

So beautiful those are my 5 quick tips to BALL on a BUDGET on a night out. Remember we’re “securing the bag” in 2017, and that way we can be Fierce & Fabulous all year long! Not just for one night.

Xx

Conesha

…Back to Bimini!

by http://242blqrze.com, posted in Lifestyle, More, Travel, Uncategorized

Hello Beautiful!

Happy New Year… and all that good STUFF!

This year I plan to get and keep my blog game up! But, I won’t make any promises.

Its almost 2:00 in the morning and I’m up reminiscing…

Have I ever told you about the time I visited Bimini, Bahamas?

No?.. Well… let me tell you now! I fell in love with a place like never before!

Bimini is a Family Island in the chain of Bahama Islands. And perhaps the smallest one at that!

About a year ago (last year February to be exact) I vacationed there for 4 days and this is how it went…

I took a plane ride from Nassau, Bahamas to Bimini on Western Air.

Once I safely landed on SOUTH Bimini, myself and almost everyone on the plane caught a shuttle to the Ferry. Then we had to catch a ferry to NORTH Bimini… this was already turning into an Adventure!

The ferry ride was about $5.00.

Once on North Bimini, I caught a taxi to Resorts World Bimini, a golf cart community that host The Hilton hotel on the island. I was staying at the Hilton, its usually my hotel brand of choice.

The ride from the ferry dock to the Hilton at Resorts World Bimini was very short, probably less than 20 minutes with stops. North Bimini is literally one straight road with a few curves and corners.

I was already in awe of the island as I gazed at the beautiful beach from the taxi window, I was more amazed when I got to the hotel. It was newly built and sexy!

Checked in, and in my hotel room… I pulled out my phone to stunt for the ‘gram! It was time to let everyone know I was in BIMINI TOWN!

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The hotel room was modern contemporary, with a minimalist approach. The beds (which are my favourite things about Hilton hotels) were soft and lush, but not comfortable enough to keep me hostage.

MK backpack and Canon T5i in tow, I was out the room in no time, and ready to explore the premises. I saved the Island for the next day.

In Resorts World Bimini, once you’re a guest of the hotel, there is a black shuttle bus that takes you around the community. I opted to walk to the facilities though, I wanted to see everything and take pics.

My first stop was Amicci’s, an Italian style deli, that became a regular stop for me during my stay. Should you every visit, be sure to try their meat lovers pizza and mango gelato!

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I spent that day familiarising myself with the property, then I turned in for a nap and sweet dreams of Bimini.

Day Two was probably my most favourite day there! I rented a golf cart and set out with “A List of Things to do whiles in Bimini.”

Here are a few things I did:

Had lunch poolside at Aqua Bar and Grille

Toured Dolphin House

Ate Conch Salad at Stuart’s Conch Stand

Visit the Island Centre

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I wasn’t able to visit the museum as it was closed, but I’ll be sure to when I return!

Later that night I topped off my day of activities with dinner at the Hemmingways restaurant in the hotel casino.

Day Three was just as exciting as Day Two because I visited the Bimini Biological Field Station Shark Lab on the south side of Bimini. Remember I was staying on the NORTHERN side.

So after some good Bahamian souse for breakfast at Bimini’s native restaurant- 3 Daughters, I had to drive to the ferry dock (got there in less than 10 minutes lol), hop on a ferry and rode the ferry to the south side (less than 20 minutes), then catch a taxi to the Shark Lab (I don’t remember the length of that ride).

I learned a lot about the sharks, stood in shark water and even pet one. Then it was on to the nature trail…

Well, that didn’t last long. I’m not fond of bushes and bugs.

Next, it was back on the ferry, back to the north side, and back to the hotel! Sighs…

As I’m writing this, I wish I can just hop on a plane right now and go back to Bimini!

On the last day I stayed in Resorts World Bimini until it was time to leave.

I enjoyed an American style breakfast at the Sabor restaurant before taking a dip in the most amazing infinity pool!!

My Bimini trip was one of the BEST trips I’ve ever taken in My life! Bimini is not only beautiful but its very historical, truly magical and simply amazing.

See more pics from my Bimini Trip (#nofilter)

Fun at the Festival!

by http://242blqrze.com, posted in Lifestyle, More, Uncategorized

Hello Beautiful!

Saturday October 22ND, was the first time I got out and enjoyed myself since Hurricane Matthew and it really was a great feeling! I curled my hair, applied some make up, and threw together a cute boho chic outfit to attend the 21st International Wine Cultural & Food Festival held at the Botanical Gardens in Nassau, Bahamas.

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Boho Chic – Turban Head Wrap, Oversize Off the Shoulder Blouse, Vintage Gap Jeans Shorts, Cognac Sandals, Michael Kors Vanilla Print Backpack, and Stacked Bangles

The “Food Festival” as it is called for short is one of the most anticipated events in the Bahamas every year! With countries from all over the world participating and selling some of their native dishes, and crafts, the event draws a huge crowd of all ages for a celebration of uniqueness & culture.

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I’ve been attending this event from I was a child. My mom would take me and my younger brother every year, until we were old enough and started going with our friends, and hopefully one day I’ll be going with my own little family.

I love the “Food Festival”! Here’s a recap of my day…

First I stopped by a Bank of the Bahamas exchange booth, to change my Bahamian money into Festival dollars. You’re not allowed to change the Festival Dollars back into Bahamian money, so I decided to start with a small amount of $30. By the end of that day I spent like $60 in total.

Next, I took a stroll around the garden, just to see what all the countries had to offer before I started shopping and spending money. I stopped by Peru, Haiti, Jamaica, and The Bahamas amongst others.

After walking around I found my first stop! The Eye Candy Makeup store booth was offering face painting, temporary tattoos and Henna ink. I’m a big tattoo lover and I’m intrigued by the Indian culture so I was excited to get a Henna Ink tattoo on my left hand. It was $10.00, and I paid it in Festival Dollars.

Next, I started searching for food. A friend recommended Tacos from Mexico, but I didn’t see their booth this year. Eventually I settled for something quick and easy, a stuff crab from a Bahamian booth. I didn’t want to walk around with food, and the stuff crab is small, easy to hold and you can eat it quickly.

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I’m not a big alcoholic drinker, but Kalik had a special drink at the festival called the “Pink Front”. Don’t ask me why it’s called that, but it was a very light but tasty drink. It’s a mix of Peach Schnapps, Cranberry Juice and the kicker, a Kalik Radler. Kalik is a Bahamian beer brand. I loved that drink, and plan on mixing my own when the mood hits.

At the festival there are also live performances, so I took some time out to watch a dance performance and fashion showcase before more walking around again. I saw people sitting on blankets and cots watching the show. I’m going to keep that in mind for next year so I can sit and watch the performances comfortably.

The International Wine Culture & Food Festival is a beautiful event that brings so much people together. The Bahamas is truly a melting pot, so it must be such a pleasure for non-Bahamians who live here to enjoy their culture during the 2-day event. You will smell different aromas of different foods and the sweet sounds of each countries national music. You will see old friends and meet new ones. It’s a blast to attend.

Do’s for the Food Festival:

  1. Wear Flat Shoes! Some parts of the ground are uneven and you may fall.
  2. Dress Cool and Comfortable because the sun is very hot!
  3. Budget how much you want to spend that day, because you can go overboard.
  4. Ask for samples of the food and drinks.
  5. Carry an Umbrella and a blanket or lounger chair. Seats are limited, create your own!
  6. Research some main dishes from other countries and make a list to try them.
  7. Go with Family, Friends or PETS!
  8. Carry a tote to collect all the goddies and trinkets you may purchase.
  9. Go early, and leave late! Make a day of it.
  10. Carry a camera, the day makes for great pictures!

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See more pics from My one-day experience at the IWCFF 2016:

 

 

2016… New Year, New Me!

by http://242blqrze.com, posted in Diary, Lifestyle, More, Uncategorized

ATTENTION: Before You Read this Post CLICK HERE to Watch My New Year, New Me YouTube Video first!

 

Hi Beautiful,

A few months ago I was not excited about the New Year. Gratefully though, I’ve gotten out of the funk and I’m happy to enter 2016!

I did something that I think everyone should do during the last few days of the year… Life Analyzation.

Not just for a day. I spent almost the entire months of November and December going over 2015 in My head, and what I would do differently in 2016.

Here’s My list of 5 New Ways, I’ll be a New Me in 2016:

  • Deepen My Spirituality:

Although I believe in God, and fear him, I want to believe in Him more and trust his promises outlined in his word the bible. I’ve spent a lot of my pass year stressing over things beyond my control, instead of “casting my burdens” on God and allowing him to “sustain me as promised in Psalm 55:22. These things were pulling me away from Him… but he never pulled away from Me. So now, my goal is to draw closer to Him in spirit and truth.

Action Plan: Daily Bible Reading and Regular Prayer

 

  • Exercise Gratitude:

Most of the year I focused on things I wanted that I couldn’t have or didn’t have. One day, I realised I was being ungrateful. While I literally cried, throw tantrums, and plunged myself into depression I was not being grateful for the blessings in my life. I had to catch myself and check myself! I started to thank God for things that seemed so simple in my life, that other people didn’t have such as LIFE (itself), a Job, a Car (I didn’t have to walk or catch the bus), Health and Strength, and the list goes on…

I decided to make myself grateful every day! I even made the word grateful My cell phone look screen, so every time I look at it or pick up my cell phone (which is every minute of the day) I will be reminded to be grateful and its working.

 

 

Action Plan: Make Note of One Thing I’m Grateful for Everyday, and Use the word Grateful when Thanking Someone for Something they’ve done for Me or to Me that I Appreciate.

 

  • Take Care of My Body:

I use to pride myself on being a workaholic. I would get off from shifts at the bank, head to a 7 hour photo shoot, sleep for about 3 hours and wake up the next morning to apply makeup! I lacked sleep, I ate once a day, and stopped taking vitamins. I didn’t take breaks even on vacations from work. I was the chocolate energizer bunny!  However although it didn’t show, because I don’t have any vices such as excessive drinking, smoking or partying. No one knew when my back ached, my mind would not go sleep, or when my body would just crash!

Not happening in 2016!

Action Plan: Eat healthier (even attempt cooking), Join a Gym (hire a personal trainer),  Practice Yoga and Schedule Naps.

 

  • Live Life:

I haven’t taken a trip in 2 years. You may say me either, but its not because I couldn’t, its because I wouldn’t. I was scared…

Scared to spend money on vacation, I wanted to save! Scared to travel alone, I always needed someone to travel, no one was available! Scared to fly, yes… I developed a fear of flying. Which I’m no longer claiming!

So this year I plan to travel 3 times, to 3 different places, and even if I don’t accomplish all… I will change course and plan another trip! I’m going to live life… enjoy the Beaches of the Bahamas, the skylines of New York and the stadiums of Miami.

Apart from that, I will go on dinner dates, dance at upscale clubs and laugh so hard with friends until I cry. Cry, tears of joy.

Action Plan: Schedule 3 Trips on My Vacation Dates (1 Family Island in the Bahamas, 2 International in the USA)

 

  • Love Genuinely:

You may wonder what I mean by this, but hear me out…

I don’t think I loved genuinely or “from the bottom” of my heart in the past year, I was too self consumed.

Of course I love my family, because they’re my family I was born to love them. And of course I loved my boyfriend, because he was my boyfriend and we were in a relationship. And I love my friends, even though I would never tell them. But it all felt so calculated. It didn’t feel as if it flowed freely.

I wouldn’t call some people for days, other times I wouldn’t answer my phone if they called. I didn’t take time to express my love through gifts or words or actions. I loved them, but not the way I should’ve.

I’m working on that now (today is Dec 30th, 2015) and I plan to execute that in 2016. This is probably the realest thing I ever wrote.

So there you have it. My 5 ways to a New Me in 2016. If you notice, none of these have anything to do with savings or money or material things. Thats because I’ve conquered that in 2014 and 2015. I’m good…

I’m working on Me this year… the New Me!

I wish You all a Happy New Year filled with prosperity and purpose and love.

Action Plan: NONE! Just let it flow from the Heart…

 

Xo

Co’La💋