ART – 242Blqrze

2017 ALIV Bahamian Icon Awards

June 22, 2017 by http://242blqrze.com, posted in Fashion, Lifestyle

Its about 10:35pm Saturday, June 17th and my heels aren’t as forgiving as they were two hours ago as I tipped across the street from the Melia Nassau Beach hotel to my car.

The interesting thing is… as long as I was in the hotel foyer and ballroom amongst so many Bahamian icons (some nominated, some not nominated) I didn’t feel any pain! The energy was captivating, the excitement was high and the fashion…oh baby… the fashion was ICONIC!

It was the 2017 Bahamian Icon Awards that was sponsored by the nation’s newest telecommunication company, ALIV and it was one of the most anticipated events of the summer.

Everyone who attended was definitely concerned about their look! And I was no different. I called upon sewing wizard, Bahamian Designer Brittney Tamika to work her magic for me. After two days only, she whipped up a custom-made wine colored, mermaid style gown with hand sewn lace details. It fit perfectly and is still getting compliments up to this day.

The Bahamian Icon Awards, is a ceremony geared to celebrate and recognize Bahamians doing an extraordinary job in the fields of Media, Recorded Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Live Entertainment, Health, Entertainment, Education, Music, Fine Arts, Commerce, Youth Development, Tourism, and Sports. Two additional nominations were Rising Star and People’s Choice.

The Red Carpet opened at 5:30 pm and I was there to take pictures of and interview the nominees and guest.

Mr. David Burrows, the Vice President of Cable Bahamas was the first person to walk the red carpet, giving me a chance to ask him a few questions.

When asked his take on the Bahamian Icon Awards, he replied: “I think it’s Fantastic!” He went on to say, “that when you think of an Icon, you think of Sir Sidney Poitier” – a Bahamian Legend and internationally recognized actor for his iconic performances in film. Mr. Burrows ended our interview by saying that the Bahamian Icon Awards is good for the “psyche of the Bahamian people” as it gives us something to aspire to and I couldn’t agree with him more.

Hints of red seemed to be the color of the night, and I was fascinated by a nominee of Youth Development, Mrs. Phyllis Gararway’s red number.

She was nominated for her phenomenal work with the Yodephy Dance and Modeling Academy. Mrs. Garaway revealed that her dress was made by Bahamian Designer Javotte Bethel & her little straw purse by Joshua Designs. When asked ‘why she chose to wear red to the event’, she replied: “its My favorite color and much like my personality, blooming, vibrant and fiery.”

Nominees and guest were rolling in one by one, and everyone was posing for the cameras.

I got the chance to chat with two more Bahamian Icon Nominees, Al Francis and Sabria Thompson, who were nominated for different categories.

Mr. Francis was nominated for Entrepreneurship. He was being recognized for his business, The Home Center and mentioned that ‘it was an honor to be nominated.’

He went on to say, “I’m in good company and it’s good to be rewarded for all the hard work you’ve done over the years.” I asked Mr. Francis what is one tip he would like to give young, upcoming entrepreneurs and he gave me three:

Chose something you love doing.
Surround yourself with positive people.
Just have fun with it!

Sabria Thompson was a Rising Star nominee who also sported a red gown to the event. I was so impressed by her story and couldn’t believe she accomplished so much for only 21 years old. She studied at St. Leos University and got an A in her tax class. The IRS then invited her to take a series of exams which she passed with an A again! This landed her a job filing taxes and a Bahamian Icon Award nomination all before she turned 21. “I turned 21 after I got the nomination.”, she laughed.

It was soon time to find out who were the winners as the show was about to begin. But just before the red carpet spilled into the ballroom, I managed to interview Fine Arts nominee, Ryan Turnquest.

Like most of the nominees, Ryan felt “honored” to be recognized by The Bahamian Icon Awards that evening especially since he had only returned to his crafts 8 months prior. When asked what motivated him to return, he replied the death of his brother, Chris. It is amazing how a tragedy can turn into triumph in just a few months.

The show opened with a performance by Wendy Lewis, who also took home the Icon Award for the Music category. I didn’t get a chance to talk to Wendy after her win, but I did speak to a few other winners in the ALIV Media Room.

Allan Pachino Wallace won the Fine Arts category, which was his first win for the night. He later won again in the People Choice category as a member of the artistic group Trilogy.

After Alan, I caught up with Ramona Wells, the winner of the Education category.

Ramona was overwhelmed by her win and that she was being recognized for doing her everyday job as a Technology Teacher at C.H. Reeves Junior High School. Ramona revealed she always had a passion for teaching and is happy that “someone is taking recognition of it and highlighting educators.”

The Bahamian Icon Awards isn’t prejudiced to age! Anyone, excelling in their craft can be an Icon winner. Just ask 16-year-old Rising Star winner Jasper Thomas, better known as Dj OVADOSE.

Humbly, he gave “God and his family” credit for his win and mentioned that he’s inspired by Disc Jockeys from the Bahamas and other parts of the Caribbean.

The show continued with musical performances and comedic dialogue from the host. I would catch just snippets of the performances while waiting for the next winner to be announced.

It was truly an honor for me to speak to first-time winners such as Remardo Russell (Entertainment), Beverly Curry (Media) and two-time winner Kareem Mortimer (Recorded Entertainment).

At the end of the evening, right before the final performance, CEO of SIDDA Communications and the founder of The Bahamian Icon Awards Mr. Addis Huyler revealed that he wasn’t sure if he would’ve hosted the awards ceremony this year.

I thought about that for a moment. What if he didn’t put on the “Icon Awards” this year… how many people wouldn’t have had their glorious moment that night? How many Bahamians wouldn’t have had anything to aspire to for next year and years to come?

Then I smiled to myself, realizing I was actually there, another year, and Mr. Huyler did indeed put on an awards ceremony that created the most iconic moments The Bahamas would ever experience in one night this year, 2017!

See more pics from the 2017 ALIV Bahamian Icon Awards:

Father’s Day: Pico’s Perfect Gift

June 14, 2017June 14, 2017 by http://242blqrze.com, posted in Fashion, Lifestyle

Hello Beautiful,

Father’s Day is one of those silent special days that you forget all about, then it sneaks up on you and your left feeling guilty that you got your father, husband or baby daddy nothing. Not one thing!

Did you even know Father’s Day is this Sunday?! Yes ma’am it is!

I know, I know… You do not have a gift! No worries… I got you!

My pick for this year’s Father’s Day gift is a PicoLapelle Pin. This year seems to be the year of the gentleman and every man should have this piece to look and feel dapper. The Pico Brand is a Bahamian-Owned luxury men’s accessory company specializing in lapel pins and pocket pieces.

PicoLapelle was launched in 2014 by GQ magazine collector and men’s fashion lover, Keron Wood. His hobby and love for fashion inspired him to tap into the men’s fashion industry, thus launching a brand that focused on a men’s fashion staple, the lapel flower. At the time, wearing a lapel pin was not the trend in the Bahamas. Thus making Keron and PicoLapelle pioneers to boost the trend and sell the pin.

The first PicoLapelle style made was the PicoLapelle Bloom. It embodies a full bloom flower made from fabric and is hand sewn. Three years later, and the PicoLapelle are offered in 7 styles.

That gives you a good selection to chose from for the different fathers in your life. I had a chance to view the PicoLapelle portfolio and there is something for the old and young fathers. However, if I had to make a suggestion on which PicoLapelle to get for the younger fathers… I would say one of the Pico Wood pins.

The Pico Wood pins are unisex (which means you get to borrow them, girlfriend). They’re the hottest trend in lapel pins for Summer 2017 and a personal favorite of designer & CEO of The Pico Brand, Keron Wood.

Keron says it’s his favorite, ‘not because of its a combination of his middle name and last name (Keron Pico Wood) but because it’s a unique style that combines art, culture, and class.

Maybe your father or the father in your life is a little more settled. For him, I would suggest the “Moncur” pin. It’s subtle but gives the outfit a little extra sharpness.

Besides the lapel pins, The Pico Brand offers pocket squares as well. These vibrant, classic men’s wear essentials complete any blazer, whether worn formally or casually. Keron also hinted about new products in the upcoming future. However, we’ll have to stay tuned to The Pico Brand’s social media outlets to find out what they are, but whatever they are I know they will be amazing! Be sure to follow The Pico Brand on Instagram and Facebook.

The PicoLapelle pins range from $20.00 to $50.00 according to the style, and the Picopockets are 25.00. Not bad for quality, long-lasting, products that any “Dapper Dad” would appreciate. Also, this Father’s Day, The Pico Brand is offering special bundle deals with up to $10.00 worth of savings!

I haven’t started my Father’s Day shopping yet, but that’s because I already know I’m getting my dad a Pico Bundle for father’s day. Any man can wear a lapel pin, but a PicoLapelle pin is a Bahamian luxury, gentleman quality, and design original.

Sunday is soon here! Get your dad the perfect Pico gift!

Xo,

Conesha

Blq, Bahamian & BIGGITY!

May 11, 2017May 11, 2017 by http://242blqrze.com, posted in Blq Bite's, FOOD, Lifestyle

Hello Beautiful…

Are you Biggity?

Biggity, pronounced Big-git-ty, is a Bahamian colloquialism used to describe a person (or their actions) who is bold, egotistical and presumptuous.

So that term would be the perfect description of Pepper Sauce when describing food – just Biggity! That’s how this Bahamian owned merchant boutique and bistro got its name.

Biggity, the boutique, is well-known in the Bahamas for its home-made candles named after Bahamian culture, however, I didn’t have a chance to patronise them until they expanded into a bistro. Maybe I love my Belly, more than my Nose.

I visited the “NEW” Biggity Boutique & Bistro that is now located on Bay Street, above the Pandora boutique. Once you’re standing facing Pandora, look to your right, then look up, and THERE! You’ll see the Biggity sign. Then look left and you’ll see the stairs leading you to an AUTHENTIC Bahamian experience.

When you step into Biggity, the rustic, recycled decor will capture you first. After you’ve caught yourself, you’ll begin analysing the art work on the wall.

The staff then snaps you out of your gaze with a pleasant smile and menu. Its time to order… let’s eat!

Luckily for me, the day I went, I met the owner – Amanda. A Nassau native with the sweetest personality and a creative mind indigenous to Bahamians.

She suggested I tried their soup and salads. So I did.

As I waited, I further analysed the furniture and interior design of Biggity. Glass bottles and wash tubs used for lamp shades, wood pallets used for wall covering, an old electric wire reel used for a stand and as Amanda later admitted, the tables were old doors painted and stained.

The food started coming out one by one and the aroma of the soup and visual presentation was sure to make you hungry.

Biggity’s menu changes every week, with only two items remaining the same: the Spinach Artichoke Dip and the Biggity Signature Dip. Their paper menu is broken down into 3 sections: Dips n’ Ting, Salads and Somethin’ Solid.

The salads and somethin’ solid section changes weekly for several reasons. One, Biggity only uses local farm grown greens. They work with two of Nassau’s organic farming distributors – Bamsi & Field to Fork, therefore their salads and somethin’ solids are based on what is abundant in the farms at the time. Whatever is abundant, they create a menu based around that.

The day I went, the somethings solid option was the Split Peas Soup and the salad options were Tropical Cracked Conch, Nuts and Berries & BLT. I had one of each.

The soup was flavourful. The rich colour and aroma enticed your tastebuds and the ham in it was tender.

The salads are served with 3 dressings: Mango & Coconut, Balsamic Vinaigrette and Buttermilk Ranch and you have the option of adding Organic Abaco Chicken Breast or Wild Smoked Salmon (raw) to your salads. However, I didn’t.

The salads confirmed the fact that they’re made from organic vegetables and fruits because they tastes so fresh and crisp.

Out of the three salads, the Nuts and Berries were my favourite. Its made with walnuts, dried cranberries, grapes, golden raisins, blue cheese and local grown greens. The mesh of the blue cheese and berries has an exquisite taste. Next time I think I’ll try it with the Abaco Chicken added.

The food was so good, I had to ask about the chef. Surprisingly to me it was Amanda herself! Talk about a #Girl Boss! She made the candles, had a hand in the decor of the new Bistro and she’s the chef too!

She admitted cooking was not something she envisioned for herself at the onset of Biggity. The candles were inspired by her sister, who lived abroad and was missing home. She told Amanda in conversation, that she wished she could’ve “smelled” the sky juice Amanda had made that day and then a light bulb went off in Amanda’s head! That’s how the Biggity candles were born.

About a year later, Amanda and team decided to expand the business, change location and add a Bistro. But not just any Bistro. A real authentic Bahamian owned, inspired and supplied Bistro, to give locals and tourist a true taste of the Bahamas.

As I sipped on a freshly made Iced Green & Mint Tea, Amanda listed all the ways Biggity was truly Bahamian. “I don’t drink juice or soda, [and] we don’t serve that here”, she started, “literally the food is local grown, the chicken comes from Abaco, obviously we don’t produce Salmon, but its wild caught Salmon; its not farm raised Salmon”. She went on to say that they do their research to ensure that whatever items they use that are not made locally in the Bahamas are not genetically modified, they’re eco-friendly and health conscious.

Also, they sell other authentic products made by other Bahamians. For instance, they don’t offer Lipton teas, they sell Bahamian made bush teas that are packaged. They don’t sell imported jam, they sell Bahamian made jam from fruits like guava.

I sipped slowly on my Iced Tea that was served in a little mason jar. It was divine, and very refreshing on such a hot day. Biggity also serves freshly squeezed Switcha (Bahamian Lemonade) and fresh Coconut water. Not the ones imported in a can but water, from the coconut, picked from the tree.

Before leaving I asked Amanda about the art work on the walls. “All Bahamian Artists” she boasted proudly, and went in depth about these two 5′ pieces by Jordana Kelly of Kelly’s sister. They’re a must see and hard to miss once you step foot in Biggity.

I can go on and on about my hour or so at Biggity. I left full, inspired and proud to be Bahamian. The food was delicious, and so were the drinks! The customer service was warm and friendly. The decor and artwork was captivating and inviting, both at once. The price point is affordable with $15 dips, $12 soups & salads and $4 handmade drinks.

Biggity is a great place to have a one-on-one meeting, or a lunch break with a friend. Its even more perfect for someone visiting Nassau, Bahamas for the first, second or third time.

I enjoyed my lunch at Biggity, and now that they’re serving Hot Bahamian breakfast with a cup of coffee… I will be back! Biggity is opened from 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday – Saturday. So I hope to see you when I return, either for Breakfast or Brunch.

See more pics from my lunch at Biggity below:

Xo,

Conesha

#OOTD: My Art

May 8, 2017May 13, 2017 by http://242blqrze.com, posted in Fashion, Outfits

Hello Beautiful!

If you’ve ever visited my Instagram page – @242blqrze, you’ve possibly wondered if I’m the same person in all of my pics.

I mean I look the same, but my style of dress changes so much. Whenever someone ask me to describe my style, I’m unable to give them a straightforward answer. But my honest answer would be similar to Rihanna’s at the 2017 Met Gala.

Andre’ Leon Talley asked her to “describe Avant Garde” in her world, “in music and fashion.” Rihanna then said, “I love Art, and I think its such a free range of expression and you can do whatever you want in that space… to be whatever you want, however you want.”

I feel the same way.

I don’t play instruments, I can’t draw. Style is My Art.

So last week, I wore “My Art”, to go admire some street art on my island. It’s a wall mural by Bahamian Artist June Collie entitled “The Beat Drum Club”. My outfit is perfect for saying “Hello” to Summer and “See You Later” to Spring!

Here’s what I wore:

A White Off the Shoulder Bell Sleeve A-Line Dress
Colourful Print Strapped Up Wedges
Gold Disc Bib Necklace
Assortment of Bracelets
Vintage Blue Stone Ring
A Native Bahamian Straw Handbag

To watch Rihanna’s full interview with Andre’ Leon Talley at this year’s Met Gala click here.

Xo,

Conesha

New Orleans in Nassau: Louis & Steen’s

January 23, 2017 by http://242blqrze.com, posted in Blq Bite's, FOOD, Lifestyle

If you’re anything like Me, you’re always late for Breakfast and too early for Lunch, so Brunch is your best option!

Gratefully, Nassau has a new little spot open from 6:30am – 7:00pm through the week, 8:00am – 7:00pm on Saturday and 10:00am – 8:00pm on Sunday. Perfect for a late sleeper like Myself on the weekend.

The new spot is a New Orleans inspired Coffeehouse called Louis & Steen’s located on West Bay Street. I won’t pretend to be a Coffee connoisseur, however I love trying new food places and this one was on my list!

Louis & Steen’s colourful ambience and vintage decor truly gives you a taste of New Orleans in Nassau. I’ve never been to Louisiana (its on my list of places to see) but now I know what to expect.

With a little Jazz playing in the background, I looked over the chalk board menu and pastries in the showcase. With the cashier’s help I ordered the below:

1-Butter Croissant

1- Order of Sweet Potato Pancakes & Sausage

1-Bowl of Chicken & Sausage Gumbo w/ Biscuit

1- Single Cappuccino

1- Iced Latte (Gulp/Regular Size)

The total of my bill was $49.18. Not bad for a brunch for two if you want to make it a date or have coffee with a friend.

The drink prices are reasonable, just a little less than a Starbucks but the food is pricey. My bowl of Chicken & Sausage Gumbo was $17.75! Maybe its the same in Louisiana… if you know, comment down below.

I tried the Gumbo because it was the “New Orleans Thing” to do. It was good for a first time try, the flavour was rich and it was made fresh. The pancakes were good also, a nice compliment to a cup of coffee if its your preference. Beware of the spice on the pancakes though, it can be a little over bearing so ask them to sprinkle lightly.

The Ice Latte was refreshing as well, you can get it spiked with a flavored syrup (I chose Butter Pecan) and they put coffee ice cubes in it so it doesn’t water down like it would with regular ice cubes. I think thats genius!

But for ME… it was the Butter Croissant & Cappuccino! They were my favourites!

I suggest you have your croissant warmed. It becomes so soft, each flake melts in your mouth.

I also suggest you customize your Cappuccino. Feel free to steal my request:

“A single Cappuccino, with ALMOND Milk and French Vanilla Syrup”. Divine!

Overall, I found Louis & Steen’s to be a delightful new spot, even for a not-so-big coffee lover like myself. Its great for breakfast, brunch or lunch meet ups with friends or meetings with clients. The atmosphere is bright and cozy with an amazing beach view across the street.

The staff is friendly and helpful, which is always a plus!

I’m sure I’ll be back again to try something new, as I was told their menu changes constantly. Maybe next time I’ll see you there… and we can take a picture on the wooden swing!

See more pics from my morning at Louis & Steen’s:

Fun, Food, Fashion

Xx, Conesha

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