In 2016 I set out to focus on things that I love, build new relationships, and take on some of my biggest fears! Setting that intention really attracted amazingness in my life.
I could really feel God’s anointing!
It was also cool to see many of you taking leaps in your life as well. The amount of new businesses, engagements, and travel imagery I seen floating across my time lines was quite impressive. I SEE YOU.
Toronto Coconut Fest 2016
I thank all my family and friends for the love and support!
I thank the Carnival Spice and #SSFlashMob team for your time and talent. We have definitely created memorable moments.
I thank all my clients for trusting me it has been an honour to be apart of your journey.
Lovin' up on Jully Black at the SheROto SheEO Conference
Huge shout out to my followers!! All your likes, kind words, referrals, jokes, and over all vibes are so appreciated. Plus a huge XO to my CWS, AOS, and HSC family!
18 days to be exact. The photo above is a sneak peak of what I will be wearing on the road. Section is the soldout Macaw with Toronto Revellers. I have not played with this band before so this will be a totally new experience for me. Kerwin Du Bois AND Kes the Band will be on the road with them too so I am super excited!
Toronto Carnival Launch
July 5th was the official launch and I was there with one of the newest bands on di scene, Island Vybz. We were introduced to the Face of the Festival Azalea Zoe AND it was announced that the high fences from last year will be taken down (this should be interesting). Nonetheless, check out the video below; it also includes clips captured by CTV and CP24.
Participating in Carnival (a.k.a playing mas) allows you to be creative, explore, and have fun. Therefore you have to go big or go home! Your costume is your base but it is up to you to elevate it even further. I receive a lot of questions about where to go and what to do. So below are a few elements that you want to consider when vamping up your carnival look; plus a few places to go or people to see that may help! My goal here is to get you READY for the road.
Essentials
You SHOULD NOT play mas without the following items:
- Sunscreen Carnival costumes give pretty bad tan lines!
- Refillable Bottle or Cup DO NOT rely on your band to keep you hydrated*
- A Bag to secure Identification Card(s), Cash, Keys.
ie. Purse, clutch, wristlet, back pack, fanny pack, - bonus points if it matches your costume!
- Sunglasses
If your wearing a full face of make up though - this would not be a good idea.
Footwear
DO NOT wear your brand new all-white Jordons on the road! HA! You want to wear something comfortable and worn in, something that you don’t mind getting dirty… and ideally something that matches the colors in your costume. One of the most popular carnival footwear options are boots! They are hard to find during the summer, so be on the look out. Try places like Orfus Road, Urban Planet, and Ardene. I have three new pairs from the Carnival Spice inventory for sale at $10. Msg me if interested ASAP! Available are: 2 black suede in size 7 (SOLD OUT); 1 beige pleather in size 6.
Tip: If you plan on wearing boots or sneakers, apply powder to your feet to prevent blisters, wear comfy socks, and if possible add cushioning insoles ***
Boots EXAMPLE - I designed them myself (by the way)
Next is the fun part - decorating! You can spray paint your choice in footwear add glitter, or rhinestones to achieve your carnival look. To find unique gems, feathers, or fabrics, head to your local craft store (ie. Micheals), John Beads Craft Outlet or visit the fashion/fabric district by Queen and Spadina. For more cost-effective options (see photos below) try good ole’ Dollarama.
If you are not the crafty type, there are several companies online that offer this service. Please see some examples below; and I urge you to contact them ASAP:
Tights were never a “thing” in Toronto until recently… probably because there are a lot less belt options, and a lot more spider panties! Tights also provide clean lines and keep everything in tact. Please do not wear your church stockings or pantyhose on the road… they are not the same thing!!!!!!! You can find appropriate/SEAMLESS ones in winners, and/or some lingeries stores. If you are woman of color, finding tights or fishnets to match your skin tone is challenging! ...Especially the good quality ones you can easily find in Trinidad. Below are a few merchandisers that are selling in Toronto!
Most costumes now come with bangles and earrings however you can never have too much. Go big or go home! A lot of stores such as H & M and Aldo are having sales on accessories - perfect opportunity to find pieces to match your costume.
Make - Up
Carnival make up is so much fun to wear and to apply. You can totally get away with big lashes, the brightest color lipstick, and glitter or jewels all over your face! Be creative - there are so many products out there! However, if you want to leave it it up to the professionals, definitely get in touch with one of these awesome ladies below - but do it ASAP:
You can find Nikki D Make Up in the masquerader assembly area doing make up on site.
Contact Nikki at 416-819-6454
Hair
Your hairstyle will depend on what headgear your wearing (Ie. Tierra, headpiece, head chain). I anticipate that single braids or cornrows will be very popular ESPECIALLY considering how hot this summer has been.
If you are looking for a braider/locstress contact Kerry - Ann at 905-999-4258
Carlene’s Beauty Lounge
For all other hair services contact Carlene at 416-241-5694
Fitness and Nutrition
The video below was filmed last year but includes expert fitness and nutrition principles that STILL apply. Get those bodies RIGHT and TIGHT. Check out how:
Getcha Caribbean Dance Fitness on with Carnival Spice. Summer classes are running in Brampton, Mississauga, Scarborough, and Downtown, Toronto until July 21st. WE CURRENTLY ARE OFFERING 50% OFF CLASSES*** Reserve your spot here before it’s too late: https://spicejuly.eventbrite.ca
Toronto Carnival Run
Once Carnival Spice summer session is complete we would love for everyone to participate on our team for the Toronto Carnival Run taking place Saturday, July 23rd. This is a 5k run or walk meant to encourage wellness and community involvement with a Caribbean carnival theme.
It has been a while since my last post but I promise that I was keeping myself busy working on upcoming projects that I know you will love.
Today's post is quite fitting of where my attention has been for the last few weeks. I just completed teaching a dance fitness children's program with the Toronto Public Library in celebration of Black History Month. Additionally, while leading my weekly classes with private clients I also launched ten week Carnival Spice programs in Toronto and Mississauga. It has been amazing seeing so many new faces and watching each person grow week by week. I appreciate everyone that comes out and can confidently say that the energy in each session is so special and felt by all! Below are a couple anonymous responses from participants when asked, "How did you feel?" after one of my classes!
(Love you guys ^^^^^^ #squad)
"Get into the groove" is more than just a phrase, it is a an action that everyone should be practicing. I encourage you all to embrace the power of movement and if you have not tried a dance fitness workshop or class, then you are definitely missing out! I do understand however if you are unable to participate because of physical injury or other health reasons but any other concerns shouldn't stop you - instead they should motivate you!
Dance fitness is a type of group exercise that incorporates dance moves/technique. This full body workout is tons of fun and the overall intensity of a class varies depending on the style of dance you are doing. I often hear folks call dance fitness “ Zumba". To clarify, "Zumba" is a TYPE of dance fitness workout and one of the more popular dance fitness brands. Their instructors go through a training process based on the Zumba style, class format, and program principles. So for example, when someone calls any of my classes "Zumba" , they are very incorrect and legally if I ever advertised my classes as "Zumba" I could be sued for trademark infringement. #foodforthought #fyi #pleasestop #knowledgeispower
One of the main differences between dance fitness classes is STYLE! There can be fifty different hip hop classes out there but I promise you they are not the same. I challenge you to try them all so you can experience the difference for yourself and feel which one you enjoy the most.
Whether in class or online there are so many great dance fitness classes out there that provide amazing results. Benefits include building your stamina and energy levels, strengthening and toning your muscles, burning tons of calories etc. Dance fitness workouts can also help you avoid or overcome plateaus because they will challenge the body in a different way. Plus most classes are super fun so you do not realize how much work you are putting in.
Listed were only a few benefits that affect your physical state but there are amazing social benefits as well such as boosting your confidence, building your performance ability, releasing stress and meeting amazing people who are active and may also be looking for support for their workout too. Not everyone in the class will be at the same fitness or dance level, but that is the beauty of it, you have to start somewhere in order to grow or see results. As as I would say, you have to "pace", listen to the music, listen to your body and take everything in stride.
What to bring to a dance fitness class:
- a water bottle
- comfortable fitness attire and shoes
- a yoga mat (if you have)
- and a change of clothes because you will get sweaty!
There are so many different classes to choose from out there. Ask yourself: What music do you like? How long is the class? Check out different videos and see how you feel while watching.
Below are a couple different classes that I personally enjoy/attend in the GTA:
Thank you Belize
for exchanging energy, knowledge, and lessons with the women of Divas Abroad 2015.
Your culture is
rich with history.... Your people are full of love!
Being from a Jamaican background - I was especially comfortable!
I embraced the
rain and enjoyed the food… the memories will last forever <3
The Divas Abroad were in Belize as part of a women's empowerment initiative that
was quite successful. Diva Girl Inc, Dare to Be a Dandelion, and The Cornerstone Foundation partnered to create a cultural exchange program between
women in Canada and women in Belize. Seminar topics were selected in hopes of
supporting the Belizean women’s journey through entrepreneurship.
The women
from Belize in turn taught workshops that showcased services from their new
businesses such as sewing, baking, hammock making and how to prepare a local
dish from the Garifuna culture.
Instead of
breaking down what we did, I would like to share principles that I was reminded
of. I hope whoever reads this will make it their mission to live life (or continue living life)
with these principles in mind.
Be Fearless!
In work, in life, in love...
Climb to the top
of that mountain... Invest in your potential and/or great idea...
Share
your talent and never underestimate your capabilities.
I promise you will
feel amazing once you take a chance on yourself!
You Never Need A Reason To Help Someone!
This is very
straight forward. Your hand has the power to change someone's dreary situation,
make someone smile, lift someone up (physically and spiritually)...
See how
you can be of service to someone today.
Everything Is Energy!
In describing
energy, a great quote reads: "Your thoughts begin it, your emotion
amplifies it, and your action increases its momentum".
Keep your energy
positive! Like attracts like!
We Are One People!
After conversing
with a group of women from different backgrounds, different ages who live in
different countries, and speak different languages; you would be surprised by
the amount of similarities that one can identify among the group. I
particularly noticed this after Divas Abroad 15'.
With individual
strengths and weaknesses - we have more opportunity as a community to thrive if
we collaborate more.
Listen to more
stories so that you can meet more people who share your vision. #Strength in numbers
Gratitude Is The Attitude!
Life Is A Blessing.
Our resources are
gifts. Appreciate them! Give thanks. Cherish all that you have and all who
you love.
This is the
perfect opportunity to say thanks again to all of my kind sponsors. Your
support means so much and I am glad that you have been a part of this memory. The ladies and I raised a total of $14, 000. So amazing! #Amen
Meet The Divas:
SHE IS:in her 20s, in her 30s, in her 40s,
Canadian, Japanese, Scottish, Jamaican, Portuguese, Trinidadian, Mexican,
Irish, Colombian, an entrepreneur, a university student, a mother, a
wife, preparing for marriage, someone's significant other, a lover of the lord,
spiritually driven, atheist, an extrovert, an introvert and so much more.
With a heart full
of love she unites with others to make further impact on this world we all live
in.
