Uncategorized – 242Blqrze

Munchies for Menchies!

March 3, 2017 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

February 9, 2017February 9, 2017 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.

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.

Conesha

…Back to Bimini!

January 17, 2017 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!

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!

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

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!

October 24, 2016October 24, 2016 by http://242blqrze.com, posted in Lifestyle, More, Uncategorized

Hello Beautiful!

Saturday October 22^ND, 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 21^st International Wine Cultural & Food Festival held at the Botanical Gardens in Nassau, Bahamas.

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.

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.

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:

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

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

Up Close and… PURSENAL!

October 13, 2016August 18, 2020 by http://242blqrze.com, posted in Fashion, Fashion Tips, Styling Tips, Uncategorized

Hello Beautiful,

There is a new trend brewing in Paradise and this one is Personal to Me!

As a Fashion Girl, many would think my first love is clothes. But its actually shoes. And my second love is actually bags, and clutches! Then its clothes…

Well, I recently discovered my new favourite Bag and Clutch brand, Pursenal Paradiyse, and this is personal to Me because the designer and brand is all BAHAMIAN! Ya’ll know I love and represent the 242, My Bahamas!

D’Letha Nairn, caught my attention with her hand painted art, of some of my favourite “Bahamian Tings”, on contrasting coloured clutches on Instagram. A friend of mine had raved about the purses, but it wasn’t until I looked for myself that I was truly amazed. The purses reminded me of the Gucci Dionysus Bags and the Gucci Ghost Collection. You know the ones with the spray paint design that says “REAL Gucci”?! Yea… those! However, her design are more like art…wall paintings… on a purse!

The Flamingo Clutch was my first purchase. It’s a dark blue clutch with our national bird, The Pink Flamingo, painted on it. Soon as I got it, I was determined to wear it and I found it to be perfect for a causal night out outfit that weekend.

Rocking My Flamingo Clutch from Pursenal ParaDiyse at the OctoberFest Popcaan Concert in Nassau, Bahamas

The clutches are so funky and artistic, they add so much personality to a simple outfit. Oh! and they’re big enough to fit your cell phone, wallet, make-up compact, lipstick, and sunglasses!

The next clutch I purchased was a white clutch with the Chain of Islands of The Bahamas painted in black! Black and White is a classy combination and the simplicity of the design is perfect for any outfit you may have in mind.

Pursenal ParaDiyse Chain of Islands Clutch

I wore my second clutch to dinner and it complimented my little black dress and scrappy heels perfectly! Visit my Instagram page to see more pics of me rocking my clutches.

I intend to purchase a few more clutches, for myself and my friends and family! I may also give one away to my subscribers! Comment below and let me know if you’d like to win one.

For more designs and prices from Pursenal ParaDiyse click here.

Until next time Beautiful!

Xx,

Co’La

Come Join Me…

February 23, 2016 by http://242blqrze.com, posted in Lifestyle, More, Uncategorized

Hello Beautiful,

I’d love to have You join Me on Twitter tomorrow night at the following times to discuss Creating Irresistible Content with the #CARIBBEANGIRLSWHOBLOG team!

Follow Me on Twitter: @242blqrze

OOTD: Jeans and Sleeveless Coats

January 16, 2016January 16, 2016 by http://242blqrze.com, posted in Fashion, Fashion Tips, Outfits, Uncategorized

Hello Beautiful!

Its been rainy and cold lately here, in the 242, but it was a sweet happy day when the Sun came out last week Friday!

It’s time to transition from Fall/Winter fashion into Spring. Even though we haven’t had much of Fall/Winter in the Bahamas, I still respect the seasons and love to dress accordingly. So I was especially happy to break out my new sleeveless trench coat, that I bought in yellow (perfect for Spring and Summer). The style and colour of this coat made it the perfect transition piece between the seasons. Then I paired it with some ripped jeans and a small brim fedora I bought from Forever 21 at least 3 year ago and never wore!

Click HERE to see more pieces that I bought for Full but can wear during the Spring and Summer.

Get the Look:

Yellow Sleeveless Coat: TheFashionPalace (Instagram)

Ripped Jeans: TheFashionPalace (Instagram)

Shoes: fashionnova.com

Hat: forever21.com

Bag: shoptrinkets.com

Accessories: Personal Collection

Sunglasses: shopjadazzles.com

2016… New Year, New Me!

January 3, 2016January 3, 2016 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…

Co’La💋

OOTD: Melanin & Red Heels Collab w. KyssMyStyle

December 23, 2015December 23, 2015 by http://242blqrze.com, posted in Fashion, Outfits, Uncategorized

Hello Beautiful!

Its the Holiday Season, and you Divas are gearing up for Office Parties, Family Dinners and New Years Eve!

Well this Holiday Season, I fell in love with the colour red, and the whole red on red look. I’ve never tried a monochromatic look like this before, besides all white and all black. So I was happy to experiment with colour for this Outfit of the Day collaboration with my homegirl Brittany of KyssMyStyle fashion blog.

To see both our outfits, watch our OOTD video here.

Get the look:

Cape Peplum Dress: shopjadazzles.com

Necklace and Midi Rings: shopjadazzles.com

Shoes: urbanog.com

Clutch: Personal Collection

Sunglasses: Made in the Shade

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JaDazzles Frosted Sip & Shop

December 14, 2015December 14, 2015 by http://242blqrze.com, posted in Lifestyle, Uncategorized

Hello Beautiful,

Last Night was simply amazing. Literally… it was Simple and Amazing!

JaDazzles is one of My favourite Clothing and Accessories boutiques in Nassau, Bahamas and every December they host a Sip and Shop party called Frosted. This year is My forth year attending the event, but this year I took a few friends with Me.

Usually I would shop alone, but over the past year I’ve connected with some beautiful Bahamian women through our YouTube channels. Up to last night, some of us had only met via social media and whatsapp. Two of the ladies, Peatra and Ashley, are studying in the United States. So when I found out everyone would be home just in time for Frosted, I figure it would be perfect for all of us to meet there!

The event began at 3:00pm but the girls agreed to arrive at 5:30pm to accommodate Ashley and I, who had to work until 5. I packed my outfit and took it to work to get ready there.

After applying a natural beat to My face, and pulling my hair in a low bun, it was time to put on My clothes! Here’s where I ran into a problem…

The shirt I brought to wear shrank on me! It was more cropped than the first time I wore it and revealed my mid drift. Not intended! Nonetheless, I headed to Frosted. I was too excited to see My Bahamian YouTube sisters.

When I arrived the only YouTuber there at the time was Brittany, her YouTube channels and Blogs are Kyss My Hair and Kyss My Style.

We vowed that we were not going to shop too, too much!

Whiles browsing around I ran into one of My loyal subscribers… Shekira! She was shopping up a storm!

I continued shopping, trying to decide on Sunglasses or Floppy Hats.

Finally I decided on two sunglasses.

The next YouTuber to arrive was Ashley, her YouTube channel is Ashley Lynn. Out of all the YouTubers, I’ve known Ashley the longest and she’s always been so supportive of my channel and blog.

While Ashley shopped around, Brittany and I checked out. The Frosted event is all about quality deals and steals but My favourite deal yet is the “pick a percentage” at the check out. You can get up to 25% off of the total amount of your regular priced items out of pail, but you don’t know what percentage you’re picking because the papers are all folded.

I picked 15% off, and My total bill was only $20.40 for two sunglasses! I was a happy shopper!!

By the time as Ashley, Brittany and I had finish shopping, Peetra had arrived. Peetra’s YouTube channel is Peatimexo. This was My first time meeting Peetra in person. We did an entire video collab together and never met… could you believe that?!

We pulled up a chair at a table, and ordered our second round of the JaDazzles signature drink (I can’t remember the name but it was delicious). We talked about YouTube, schooling in the U.S. and Hair Journeys.

I enjoyed My night with these ladies, we now have a Sisterhood! Check out all of their channels and subscribe!