#OOTD: 9.16 Lookbook

Hello Beautiful,

September rolled in swiftly and smoothly, and so did My favorite day of the year, September 16th. I’m especially grateful when I see this day because it means I’ve successfully took another trip around the sun. And that was fine with Me, since I couldn’t take a trip anywhere this year, due to the COVID-19 2020 pandemic.

Nonetheless, the week of 9.16 was eventful. The night before, I went LIVE on Instagram for My new virtual talk show called “What’s Tea?”. The day of I had a photo shoot on the beach. And, the night of, My sweetest loves surprised Me at dinner. In true Virgo fashion, I had outfits on standby for each occasion. Coincidentally, they were all bought locally, in the Bahamas, from Bahamian clothing boutiques or Bahamian brands.

Here’s what I wore…

Look 1: “What’s Tea?” LIVE on Instagram

“Social Distancing Queen” Graphic Tee from @shop.thingszee

Leopard Print Skirt from @potpourritoo

Black Suede Mules from @johnsshoes

Look 2: Bahari on the Beach

The Annona Swimsuit from @baharibahamas

The Fatima Earring in White from @clwdesigns

“Money Talks” Sunglasses from @mitseyewear | Shop Now and use code: BLQRZE for 10% OFF

Look 3: Surprise Dinner

The Naked Zebra Dress from @runwaytoparris

Neon Pink Mules from @johnshoes

Gold Hoop Earrings from @prettypersuasions

Pretty in PINK Octopus

Hello Beautiful!

I’ve finally made it!

About a month or two ago, I saw an ad or promotion for one of Nassau’s newest restaurants on Instagram, and with an uncommon name like Pink Octopus, I was immediately intrigued.

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I’ve been wanting to go for weeks, and I finally made it last week Tuesday.

Pink Octopus is located on West Bay Street, Nassau, Bahamas. So it’s tucked away in this quaint but modern space (formerly Mojos), away from the traffic of Nassau. The space has ample parking, but that may soon change as the restaurant becomes more popular.

My cousin and friend accompanied me for lunch that day, and I would advise you to take 2/3 people with you when you go as well. The food servings are small. So the best idea would be for everyone to order multiple options off of the menu and sample each others meals. Thats what we did!

My cousin ordered the Fried Grouper Tacos with a side order of Asparagus.

My friend ordered the Roasted Chicken that is served on a bed of roasted Potato wedges.

I ordered the the Spicy Shrimp with a side order of Fried Cauliflower.

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The presentation of the food is just as intriguing as the name. The food is served with lots of greens and vegetables, which is just as appealing to the eyes as it is the tongue palates.

If you’re not big on vegetables, don’t fear! You hardly taste the icky stuff, just delicious kicks to the meal.

Out of everything we ordered the Spicy Shrimp & Asparagus was our favourites. So I suggest you try those when you visit.

Now, apart from a unique brunch, lunch and dinner menu… Pink Octopus has an AMAZING cocktail menu! I’m not even a cocktail connoisseur, but I know a good drink when I taste one, or two or three (covers face).

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To get our party of 3 started the bartender mixed us a shot called the “Pink Lemon Drop”. It was served in a shot glass, with sugar around the rim and a lime on top. Yes, of course, it was coloured pink!

It wasn’t as strong as most shots, and I was able to handle it. I like that shot, and will be ordering another round when I go back!

Personally, I ordered the Blood Orange Margarita. I heard the Mr. Pink is their popular drink, so I opted to go with the minority, and I wasn’t disappointed. Mixed with a muddled Blood Orange, Dry Curacao, Tequila and garnished with a slice of an actual Blood Orange, the margarita wasn’t too strong but it gave you a nice buzz.

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I notice the restaurant didn’t have loud, overbearing music and it was quiet enough for us to have a good conversation with out everyone hearing our business. Thats a plus for me because I enjoy intimate conversations when I’m out to eat.

We had a small complaint, but nothing to keep me away from referring Pink Octopus or going back. Also, I’m not sure if the manager thought it was My birthday (I was Pretty in Pink like it was My Birthday) or if it was his way of apologizing but he sent out a complimentary Dulce de Leche Flan covered in toasted Sesame Seeds with a Happy Birthday candle (I haven’t seen one of them in years lol) and had the bartender, Alan, sing Happy Birthday to me.

Listen… Alan’s voice was enough to make up for any wrong! It wasn’t my birthday but I felt like it was. If you’re planning on celebrating anything special at Pink Octopus, make sure Alan is there to serenade you in the moment.

Back to the Flan! I’m glad the manager chose the Flan to send out to us, because it isn’t something I would usually order, but it was surprisingly good and the seeds give it a distinct taste at the end.

The surprises didn’t stop there! We got another round of shots. This time, Chocalate Cake shots and I’m not sure what all was in the mix but I tasted Bailey’s for sure.

Lastly, I orded a slice of Orange Cake. It was beautifully served on top of smeared yogurt and almonds, and covered with chunks of orange pulp. The cake was moist and delicious.

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Pink Octopus menu is made to order, so you will have a little wait on your meals. When we went, our meals came fast because the restaurant wasn’t crowded, but keep this in mind if you go on a busy day or night.

The price range varies depending on what you order, but it’s pretty affordable especially if you’re splitting the bill.

Our bill came up to $124.96 cents including tax. We asked them to split the total in three and each paid about $42. This is another great tip when dining out with friends, share the food and split the bill evenly.

Overall I enjoyed my first time at Pink Octopus. From the decor to the decadence of the food & cocktails. The staff was inviting and very knowledgeable about the menu. Don’t be afraid to ask your waitress what she suggest, if you’re not sure what to try. Lastly the price point was on point. I didn’t feel like I broke the bank to enjoy an exquisitely different menu from the typical Bahamian culture, and be serenaded as well.

I will visit Pink Octopus again… hopefully sooner than later! And I hope I see you there so we can sip on a Mr. Pink while taking an Usie!

See more pics from my lunch at Pink Octopus below.

Xo,

Conesha

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

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

Up Close and… PURSENAL!

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.

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Pursenal ParaDiyse Flamingo Clutch

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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!

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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.

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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