Spotlight: Cher-Mere

First off I want to give a huge thank you to everyone who has been
reading my blog. I have received an overwhelming amount of positive
feedback and well wishes. This blog is meant to celebrate my journey (and that of others) where dance, health and wellness or Caribbean culture is concerned.

I specifically wrote in my very first post that: “I will continually share with you through this blog moments in my life that inspire me, that make me smile, and that help me grow".

On that note, this post will be putting the spotlight on international health and wellness brand Cher-Mere, moving with you towards a greener self and earth.

 

What is Cher-Mere?

Cher-Mere is a Caribbean owned company that was founded on the island of
Trinidad & Tobago by renowned engineer Cheryl Bowes. Meet Cheryl below:

 

 

If the video isn't visible, click the link here: http://youtu.be/82YHDHSVR_A

The company sells a variety of all natural products that can be used on both the skin and hair with different lines available for women, men, and babies. The products are also paraben free, sulphate free, and are not tested on animals – pretty dope! Cher-Mere also has spa locations in Trinidad, Guadeloupe, Barbados, and Ontario, Canada offering a variety of services by licensed estheticians and/or massage therapists.

I recently had the opportunity of visiting their Kingston, Ontario location after winning a contest through G987.FM. I was asked to name who was my best friend and  why, so I responded with: "Cher-Mere & G987 here is a candid photo of myself and my Bestie/BigSister/ChildhoodBabysitter/AdultHairstylist etc ... She has worn many hats in my life ‪#‎TheWayWeGroove" ... and out of many entries, WE WON!!

 

 

 

My sister and I were treated to a full spa experience which included the Cher-Mere back and neck massage, aromatherapy facial, manicure, pedicure, and lunch from a local Kingston restaurant. We had a blast to say the least! The Lord knew we could use a day of pampering and relaxation especially after our Walk to End Cancer!!!!!

What was your favourite service?

I absolutely LOVED the aromatherapy facial. Shout out to Miss Paisley for her amazing work on my face. Between stage make up, sweat, and product use, ones face surely does takes on a lot of stress in the entertainment industry. I should really be more mindful about how I care for my face and create and even better treatment regime. My face felt amazing once the facial was complete. The "steaming" portion was heavenly – just what my face needed. Cost of this service: $80.00 CAN

Did you try any Cher-Mere products while you were there?

 

All the products used during our appointment were Cher-Mere products except for the nail polishes. I selected “Flip Flop Fantasy” by China Glaze; the color choice was my measly attempt to hang on to summer – ha!

Don't judge my crazy hair - ha!

I purchased the Cher-Mere tea tree oil – great for spot treatments and the Cher-Mere aloe/oatmeal face mask that "penetrates deep into the skin to remove dead cells, toxins and blemishes"… OH YES!

 

Through the G987 contest I also won a prize pack that consisted of Cher-mere's awesome hair products:

Herbal Hot Oil Treatment

Herbal Shampoo with Rachette and Aloe
Herbal Deep Conditioner with Rachette and Aloe
Herbal Hair Food with Pure Herbal Oils

 

Please note that you can click any of the products to review its details.

 

 

 

 

Say Hello To Dr. Aba Mortley - Owner of Cher-Mere Canada

 

 

 

What restaurant did you eat at in Kingston?

We had lunch at Atomica Gourmet Pizza & Wine Bar wood fired "Autunno" pizza and polenta fries! I highly recommend it! Both were super tasty!

 

Cher-Mere Canada Contact:

 

68 Brock Street

Kingston, Canada

K7L1R9

 

(613) 767 – 6652

http://www.cher-mere.ca/

 

Thank you once again to Dr. Aba Mortley and the Cher-Mere Canada team for having us!

See you soon Kingston.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stay Connected With Me Via:


Twitter: @SimplyShakera
Instagram:  @SimplyShakera
YouTube: Simply Shakera
Email: info@simplyshakera.com

 

 

Weekend to End Women’s Cancers



First Photo After The Finish Line

On behalf of team Bosom Buddies 2014, I would like to thank everyone who joined us on our journey towards the Shoppers Drug Mart’s “Weekend to End Women’s Cancer”. With your tremendous support we raised over $8, 500!! PLUS as a team, we walked a total off 188km!!! More importantly, together we all brought awareness and funds to the Princess Margaret Cancer Center.

 

 

 

The Weekend to End Women’s Cancer was quite the experience. On Day One, the ladies and I were up bright and early getting dressed in our "all-pink everything" attire. Thank you to FaReal Custom Tees for printing our shirts. Take a closer look at who some of us were walking for.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Welcome Message: http://instagram.com/p/smnlm5u7F8/

All participants and volunteers met 7:20am at the Rogers Center. As a collective we ate breakfast, performed some stretches (led by Ace, the Blue Jay’s mascot) and listened to some very inspirational stories from folks whose lives have been affected by Cancer.   

 

 

Ace <3

Say Hello To The Royale Kitten

The "Toronto Women In Mining"

Get It Ladies!

 

That Time I Was On The Jumbo Tron!

"Aint Nobody Got Time For Cancer"

"Mighty Mel" and "Ambitious Audrey"

And We're Off!

 

 

We then made our way through the streets of Toronto. Boy did I get a detailed tour of the city. All I remember was leaving the Rogers Center, blinking two times, and we were at Jane and Bloor! (DO YOU KNOW HOW FAR THAT IS!?!) That distance alone was confirmation to me that we are all capable of doing ANYTHING as long as you were willing to do the work!

 

The Rain Held Up For Us

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Wonder Women

 

 

I photo bombed Team "T-Cell"

 

There were stations all along the route from supporters <3

 

Sis & I - Completing 13.9km

 

The "Double Bubble" Crew

OLD MILL STATION!!!



 

Channeling Our Inner Ballerina - My Hand Placement Is Horrible Though!! Lol

 

 

Organizers did keep us entertained throughout the time. We had mini cheer stations along the route; some had food, some had cultural entertainment, and some had DJs! I even spotted the Energizer Bunny and mayoral candidate Olivia Chow.

 

"TUTU" Cute!

 

Selfies!

Hey Chinatown!!!

 

 

There was also stations from Ukraine, Latin America, and more! The #CarnivalSpice in me was really happy to see a Junkanoo Bahamian Band and Steel Pannist "On Di Road" too!

 

 

Check out a clip of the pannist here:

http://instagram.com/p/snlIK7u7LH/

 

 

 

 

Toronto is such a beautiful city. Right before approaching the lakeshore we stared in aww at the city skyline... Then filmed a little clip for you!

 

 If the video isn't visible, click the link here: http://youtu.be/Ro8bpZ0N3b0

 

Team "Bosoms Up"

 

After 8 ½ hours our day one walk to end cancer was complete. What a journey. I can’t really describe the different pains my body was feeling because I was so overjoyed by the accomplishment. 32km???? and I wasn’t playing mas???? I am still in shock (ha!). Below is a three women who also completed the walk. We were all rewarded with a t-shirt that read "WE DID THIS TOGETHER" and we truly did!! I want to give a HUGE HUGE shout out to my Bosom Buddies team mate Dawnette for completing Day Two of the weekend. Her second walk was 28km! We are all so proud.

 

 

 

 

 

Cheers to the next adventure and big hugs and kisses to Carolyn Van, Sistah Angie, Kay Blair, the Bosom Buddies 2014, My Loving Family & My Awesome Friends <3

One last thing... for the "breast" mortgage rates call the "Mortgage Lady"!! :D

xoxo

 

 

 

Stay Connected Via:


Twitter: @SimplyShakera
Instagram:  @SimplyShakera
YouTube: Simply Shakera
Email: info@simplyshakera.com

Keep Calm It’s Carnival Weekend

Hello Lovelies,

I wanted to take a moment and wish you all a happy, blessed, and prosperous August! It’s the last month of “summer” so make it count.

I also would like to wish you a safe, energized, E.P.I.C., colorful, blissful Caribana weekend full of flags in di air, laughter, glitter, feathers, Johnny walka, loved ones, soca, sunshine and PLENTY vibes.

You can find me jumpin and waving with my Jamaican flag in the band Saldenah Mas as they present “The River of Mirrors”. It will be quite interesting because the band has sold over 4000 costumes! Not sure where all those people will fit but it shall be interesting to see.

The costume section I will be wearing is “Cristales”. Costume designer Rodney Minguel describes the section as follows: “Carnival is color and color is mas and legend has it that there is a river so beautiful; it's known as the river than ran away from paradise. Cano Cristales or the Liquid Rainbow is a unique biological wonder and is famous as the river of five colors. Together, this explosion of natural colors represents the vibrance, splendor and uniqueness of all carnivals.”

What I look forward to the most this Toronto Carnival weekend is jumping down the lakeshore with two close friends of mine. These two will be playing mas for the first time! Are you a first timer? Carnival Virgin? Mas Rookie? 

Here Are Some Tips For You:

-          Insoles will be your best friend – Wear them in your shoes!

-          Bring your OWN water bottle. They heat will getcha if you’re not prepared. I have learned that the hard way. Stay hydrated!

-          Take lots of pictures

-          Have fun! 

  

  

KNOW THESE SONGS or you may feel left out, lol

 

-          Too Real – Kerwin Du Bois

-          Doh Tell Me Dat – Flipo

-          Epic – Machel Montano

-          Truck On The Road – Bunji Garlin

-          Skinny Banton - Saltfish (Soak it Good)

Last but not least, watch the video below.
My Carnival Spice ladies and I will bring di vibes!

If the video isn't visible, click the link here: http://youtu.be/4ljPe-rbfFk

H’alright Time Fi Mash Up Di Placeeeeeeeeeeeee!

 

Some Carnival related work I did in the past - Check it:

Written

My “Carnival Spice Up Your Life Article” written for Eligible Magazine

http://www.eligiblemagazine.com/2013/10/05/carnival-spice-up-your-life/

Photo

My Toronto Sun “Carnival Sunshine Girl” Photoshoot

http://www.torontosun.com/sunshine-girl/2013/08/01/shakera

Video

Interviewing the Queen of Bacchanal Destra Garcia

http://youtu.be/WF1Cj3ec-mM

Stay Connected With Me Via:


Twitter: @SimplyShakera
Instagram:  @SimplyShakera
YouTube: Simply Shakera
Email: info@simplyshakera.com