Father’s Day: Pico’s Perfect Gift

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

 

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Xo,

Conesha

 

 

5 Ways to Travel Smarter, Not HARDER!

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

Fun at the Festival!

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: