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Assn of Jamaican Potters Hosts Arts & Craft Fair This Weekend

Theresa — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:59:06 +0000

Jamaican Arts and Crafts on Sale This Weekend!

This weekend (December 17th and 18th), you can find some excellent pottery and other beautiful Jamaican arts & crafts at the annual craft fair hosted by the Association of Jamaican Potters.

The Craft Fair is held on the grounds of the Forestry Department, 173 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 8. (This is just below the Tax Office and Constant Spring Post Office.)

Jamaican Arts & Crafts - Great Variety on Display

Aside from the beautiful pottery on sale, many local artisans and craftspeople attend and offer paintings, prints, jewelry, candles, handmade soaps, castor oil products, straw hats and bags. If you're an art and craft lover like me, you're sure to find something you can't live without!

This is the perfect opportunity to do a little Christmas shopping and find a unique, handcrafted souvenir for your family and friends. Why buy cheap souvenirs manufactured in China when you can find beautiful arts and crafts made with love in Jamaica!

Jamaican Arts & Crafts Fair Details

The hours on both Saturday and Sunday are 9AM to 5PM. Parking is available on the grounds and refreshments will be on sale.

Help us support Jamaican arts and crafts!

Jamaica My Way Documentary in the Works!

Theresa — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:22:23 +0000

I'm posting this to support my Canadian friend, Kristi, who owns and operates the wonderful website, JamaicaMyWay.com.

Kristi is on a mission to produce a documentary about the REAL Jamaica! She's calling it a "cultural fun-fest"! It should be great because she plans to cover all the parts of "di rock" that most tourists never get to experience. (Break away from the all-inclusives. Get out and find out what Jamaica is all about and make some new Jamaican friends!)

But Kristi still needs HELP to gather the necessary funds to make it happen. If you can find a few spare dollars in your wallet, or just want to read all about it and join in the fun, pay a visit to the Jamaica My Way Documentary page. If you are REALLY aggressive, you could even win a $1000.00 travel gift certificate for your hard work. Can't beat that, right?! Enjoy this little promo video too!

Reggae icon Dennis Brown receives Jamaica’s Order of Distinction

Theresa — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:38:15 +0000

"Dennis Emmanuel Brown ... I would have to say ... joy."
~ Damien Marley

Reggae music icon, Dennis Brown, was recognized by the Jamaican Government today, on National Heroes Day, for his outstanding musical achievements.

The Order of Distinction, Commander Class, was bestowed posthumously on Dennis Emmanuel Brown, who was dubbed the "Crown Prince of Reggae" by none other than Bob Marley. Marley was always adamant that Dennis Brown was the best reggae singer in the world, and his favorite.

It's about damn time, I say!! And what a PERFECT description by Damien Marley. "Joy" is exactly the feeling I get when I hear his sweet voice!

The motto of the Order is "Distinction through Service". It can be conferred on any citizen of Jamaica who renders outstanding and important services to Jamaica and upon any distinguished citizen of a country other than Jamaica (an honorary member).

Without a doubt, Dennis Brown (February 1, 1957 - July 1, 1999) will always be one of my favorite artists. During his 30 year career, he recorded more than 75 albums and too many hit singles to count and he was a master of the Lovers' Rock genre of reggae music.

On April 26, 2010, NPR (National Public Radio) featured Dennis Brown as one of the world's "50 Great Voices". He was in excellent company! The list also includes artists such as Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Luther Vandross, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, Janis Joplin, Placido Domingo, Billie Holliday, George Jones, Freddie Mercury, and many others.

Dennis Brown's body of work, which spans from the late 60s to the time of his passing in 1999, can certainly be considered one of the greatest catalogs of music in Jamaica's modern music era. Tragically, his career was cut short when he died from complications caused by pneumonia. Over 10,000 mourners attended his funeral and he became the first entertainer to be buried in Kingston's National Heroes Park, where four Prime Ministers are buried.

Click to read more about Dennis Brown.

Jah bless Dennis Brown's soul... today and always!

Visit Jamaica’s Own WassiArt Pottery Works

Theresa — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 05:50:56 +0000

Jamaica's Own WassiArt Pottery Works

I LOVE art and crafts, particularly ethnic or cultural art and crafts from all corners of the world. I always try to pick up something unique and handmade during my travels so that every time I catch a glimpse of it, I remember my fabulous trip.

If you're looking for a special gift or souvenir, please check out the beautiful pottery from Jamaica's own WassiArt Pottery Works. Just like most places in the world today, a lot of Jamaica's souvenirs are really made in China, or are churned out of some factory by the hundreds. Don't you want something only YOU will have in your home for everyone to admire?

WassiArt creates some beautiful pieces of art pottery! Most of their artists are self-taught and are recruited from rural communities. And their clay is dug by hand from the Blue Mountains. So this art and its artisans are truly indigenous to Jamaica! It's the real deal. These pieces are cherished island treasures.

The name Wassi (wha-see) is an old Jamaica dialect word meaning terrific, stinging like a wasp, a trait of excellence. Founded in 1990, WassiArt pottery has made its way into many homes around the world. It's now considered to be one of the premier pottery factories in the Caribbean.

As you can see in these photos, WassiArt's themes focus on daily Jamaican life, love, human spirit, family, nature and beauty. Some of the pieces you see here are older, so you may not find them today. But they have hundreds of other unique pieces to offer. Each piece is one-of-a-kind but, if you saw something you loved and it's no longer available, they will have it re-made just for you.

WassiArt has a nice showroom at the Devon House Shops at 26 Hope Road in Kingston, Jamaica and they are open Monday thru Saturday from 10AM to 6PM. Visit WassiArt on Facebook to see more of their beautiful creations. (Their new website is not quite finished yet but should be up and running by the end of 2011.) The shop also offers a wide array of fine Jamaican art from both established and up and coming artists, so there are lots of pieces to fall in love with.

Aren't these pieces lovely?! Of course we could buy items online and have them shipped to us, but I think this calls for a special "buying trip" to Jamaica!

Give your skin a caffeine boost! | Jamaica’s Blue Mountain Soapworks

Theresa — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:19:22 +0000

Try some coffee with your soap!

Most of us think of coffee as a pick-me-up, a drink to energize us and get us going in the morning. And most of us love and appreciate the taste and aroma of coffee. Green unroasted coffee beans are one of the most-traded agricultural commodities and coffee is one of the most-consumed beverages all over the globe.

But, would it surprise you to learn that coffee is also a wonderful pick-me-up for your skin and hair?

Coffee comes from the seeds, or “beans”, of the coffee plant. The beans are found in the coffee cherries, or “berries”, growing on trees in more than 70 countries around the globe, primarily in Latin America, Southeast Asia and Africa. In fact, the stimulating effects of coffee were first discovered in Ethiopia in the 15th Century.

Blue Mountain Mocha soap

As you would expect, we at Blue Mountain Soapworks only use one of the world’s finest coffees, Jamaica Blue Mountain® coffee, in our delightful Blue Mountain Mocha soap!! Jamaica Blue Mountain® is made exclusively from the Arabica bean and is renowned as one of the best and most flavorful coffees in the world. We use both the brewed coffee and coffee grounds along with cocoa powder and vanilla to handcraft this delightful Jamaican natural soap. And the coffee aroma is natural – no fragrances are added.

So what does coffee do for our skin?

Coffee in soap is wonderful for any skin type, from dry to oily to acne-prone to sensitive skin. Coffee in soap can:

Exfoliate your skin – New skin cells are created in the dermis, the lower layer of our skin. The new cells eventually work themselves to the surface but, as we age, the process slows down and becomes uneven, giving our skin a dry, rough look. Exfoliation removes the dead skin cells on the surface of our skin to reveal the newer skin underneath. Coffee is a very effective natural exfoliant. Coffee grounds are gritty enough yet not abrasive, so they exfoliate gently. Soap containing coffee makes a great scrubbing soap for both body and face and will help you achieve smoother, better-looking skin. It is also great for men because it helps expose hair follicles, allowing for a better shave and preventing ingrown hairs. Because exfoliation can dry the skin, we put wonderful oils and shea butter in the soap to keep it moisturized. Why spend your money on expensive chemical peels or products to exfoliate when you can use our Blue Mountain Mocha soap instead?!!
Fight acne, eczema and psoriasis – The natural oil in coffee contains enzymes that detoxify, cleanse and help unclog pores, making it ideal for treating acne, eczema and other skin problems. Coffee oil is very similar to our natural body oils and has the same PH level as human skin. The oils are readily absorbed by the skin, giving it a soft and silky feel.
Reduce skin redness – The caffeine in coffee has the ability to constrict blood vessels (vasoconstrictor), making it very useful for those who suffer from rosacea and skin redness. It will even out your skin tone. It can also help minimize the appearance of tiny “spider” veins on the skin.
Reduce under-eye puffiness – While it may not get rid of those dark circles under your eyes (which are often hereditary), the anti-inflammatory properties of caffeine in coffee help minimize under-eye redness and inflammation. It also helps prevent the build-up of blood under your eyes which contributes to those dark circles. You may discover it as an ingredient in many eye creams.
Absorb odors – When we cook, our hands absorb the unpleasant odors of pungent foods like garlic, onion, hot peppers, fish, etc. Keep this soap on hand in your kitchen! It will remove all of these, and other, nasty odors from your skin. It really works! (Tip: Place a bowl of coffee grounds mixed with a little vanilla in your fridge to absorb unwanted smells.)
Add shine to your hair – There are some nourishing oils in coffee beans. They help retain moisture levels in hair (and skin). Wash your hair with our Blue Mountain Mocha soap bar, rinse, and enjoy softer, shinier hair.
Prevent sun & cell damage – Our cells and tissues are constantly under attack from excessive amounts of free radicals. Free radical damage is a known contributor to the premature aging of our skin, along with acne, eczema and other problems. Our bodies naturally fight off free radical damage with antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E, and polyphenols, such as those found in green tea. The coffee cherry, the fruit of the coffee plant, has gained attention for its powerful antioxidant properties. Promising research studies have shown that the antioxidants in topical cream or solutions containing coffee/caffeine may prevent sun (UV) damage, or repair it if it has already occurred. In fact, extracts from the coffee cherry may even be three times stronger as an antioxidant than green tea (an antioxidant powerhouse)!
Get rid of cellulite? – Recent studies show that coffee/caffeine applied to the skin may tighten and firm skin, reducing cellulite! Researchers in Brazil at Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (2007) and the Universidade de São Paulo (2008) found that the application of skin cream and solutions containing caffeine significantly reduced the size of cellulite cells by 17%. Caffeine apparently dehydrates fat cells by energizing them which causes the elimination of water and the sodium/potassium component of the cells. By massaging and rubbing the areas with coffee soap, the fat cells break up and the lumps and bumps of cellulite decrease. The end result is smoother skin.
Lift your mood – Last, but certainly not least, is the spectacular natural aroma of coffee! The aroma relaxes us and clears our minds. Just the smell can lift our energy or mood. Smelling coffee is also known to reduce nausea.

How many natural products can boast of all these benefits? And you can get them all by bathing with a product such as our natural organic Blue Mountain Mocha soap handcrafted in Jamaica. Beautify your skin with coffee! Your skin will look lovely and smell great too!

From: Try some coffee with your soap! | Blue Mountain Soapworks.

The Best of Jamaican Food

Theresa — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:00:21 +0000

"Sometimes you just have to get up off of that lounge chair and go explore." Great advice from the Travel Channel's Andrew Zimmern about experiencing wonderful Jamaican food! Some of my favorites are here - like chicken foot soup, curry goat, and tripe & beans. And some great places to try on your travels, like Aunt Merle's at Hellshire Beach for fresh fish, Cherry's One-Stop in Faith Pen, and exotic fruits from the stands in Bog Walk Gorge. Now I am HUNGRY! Enjoy... and go eat some Jamaican food! Yeah man.

Part 1 Jamaican Food on "Bizarre Foods" featured on TRAVEL

Part 2 Jamaican Food on "Bizarre Foods" featured on TRAVEL

Part 3 Jamaican Food on "Bizarre Foods" featured on TRAVEL

Ecofarms | Interesting twist on honey in Manchester, Jamaica

Theresa — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 04:55:39 +0000

Look for Ecofarms' Honey Styx in Kingston at Craft Cottage, Lee's Food Fair, Carbys, Brooklyn Supermarket and Kingston 21 (Wyndam Hotel), or at Fontana Pharmacy and Body & Soul in Mandeville.

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Interesting twist on honey

Published: Saturday | August 13, 2011

Christopher Serju, Gleaner Writer

BALACLAVA, St Elizabeth: WHEN THE Gleaner caught up with Grace Foster-Reid at her Mandeville home recently, she was comfortably dressed in faded jeans, T-shirt and water boots. After all, it was mid-afternoon and well into her workday, but she was able to take time to chat with our news team.

"Very little," she rattles off in the trademark fast-paced cadence that forces one to lean forward so as not to miss any of her words. "Very little, but sometimes I miss the consistency of that steady income, that sure cheque. Today I feel good, though, about what I do, my conscience is free," she declares.

Foster-Reid is responding to questions about the decision to switch her business suit for the practical outfit which is now her mode of dress these days.

For the Massachusetts Institute of Technology-trained civil and environmental engineer, the decision to return home from the United States with husband, Clifton, some 15 years ago seemed the right thing to do. Armed with a master's degree, it was only logical that the admitted Mandeville country girl would find employment in the bauxite industry. Life was good for Foster-Reid and her medical-physician husband.

Three children later, and six years after the collapse of the bauxite industry, the country girl is no longer employed as a consultant, but life is taking a sweet turn despite the hard work and struggles which have given her a new twist on life.

Self-employment unlikely

Self-employed in a most unlikely field, far from anything she could have envisioned, today Foster-Reid spends more time with her daughters aged 15, 11 and nine as she slowly, but steadily, builds a family business centre on honey products. Honey Styx, a brand of flavoured honey packaged in drinking straws, is the flagship product with flavoured honey, pollen and bee candles among the other offerings from Ecofarms.

"Desperation," she admits was what drove her to venture into this area. Even though she still earned some money as a consultant now and then, there were very few practical job options in the wake of the shutdown of the bauxite industry.

"I mean I have master's in engineering but what do I do with that?" she asks upon reflection.

The answer would come during a visit to the family farm in Balaclava, St Elizabeth, where she noticed a number of white boxes. Upon enquiring of her engineer dad, Foster-Reid was surprised to learn they were beehives. To the best of her knowledge, the farm, which has been operated by the family for some three decades at least, was mainly coffee and some citrus. She knows nothing of the bees and, for someone who described honey as tasting "boring", there did not seem to be any attraction.

However, with her curiosity piqued, the physician's wife set out reading and researching bees and honey production, leading to a fascination which, less than two years later, has blossomed into a potentially lucrative business.

"The Honey Styx really came out because my husband is very gung-ho about what the kids eat, doesn't want them eating sweets, but I didn't really like the taste of honey and so I said, 'What can I do to make it (honey) interesting'?"

Honey sticks

After ordering a batch of what are called honey sticks in the United States, Foster-Reid was disappointed with what she saw as the unhygienic packaging of the product. Her decision to tweak the product led to the development of 10 flavours of what is now a healthy children's treat, which is also finding favour with adults.

In light of the anticipated growth in business, Foster-Reid is looking get a machine to package, seal and put the label on the straws. In addition to helping her to meet the increased demand. It would also allow her more time to realise the mandate of coming up with at least one new value-added product every six months. The tamarind-flavoured honey will be a hard act to follow but with an otaheite-sourberry mix already in the works, she has challenged herself to keep adding to the Ecofarms line.

"I have a couple of flavours in my back pocket as well as another item for which I am seeking a patent before I go forward with it," she disclosed.

To support these and other future ventures, the entrepreneur is looking to plant bullet wood and other trees in order to develop a pollination plantation for the bees. All the honey is supplied from hives under Ecofarms' control and which are located across Manchester and St Elizabeth, which is key to the expansion plan which will eventually include going organic with the honey production.

Again, Foster-Reid is ahead of the game, having already secured approval from the United States' Food and Drug Administration for sale of Ecofarms products in America. She is now awaiting and anticipating the final seal of endorsement from the Bureau of Standards Jamaica and is in dialogue with JAMPRO to have the product line available at the 2012 Olympics in England.

Back home, there are several outlets including Carby's, Craft Cottage, the Wyndham and you can call 876-962-2109 for supplies or check out the website at EcoFarms Jamaica.

From Jamaica Gleaner.

This weekend!| Negril’s Smirnoff Dream Weekend 2011

Theresa — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 19:24:30 +0000

You can also buy tickets online (see link @ end of post). Visit Negril Dream Weekend for local ticket outlets.

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Smirnoff Dream Weekend is one of the staple events on the annual entertainment calendar and is scheduled for July 29-August 1. It boasts seven of the most premium events including Extreme Wet n Wild, Daydreams, Yush, Twisted Spirits, Smirnoff Xclusive, Smirnoff Flavours and Bere Vibes.

This year there will be a total of 8 events on the Smirnoff Dream Weekend armband. A new addition this year is the option to buy one of several "Diamond Experience" packages which gives you access to Diamond lounges in each event, special designated shuttles to take you there from your hotel, designated entrances at each event to allow you to enter hassle free, top shelf bar and food, and waitress service.

This year shuttle buses will be provided from designated parking lots, hotels and major hubs across the town of Negril as there will be NO PARKING on the strip during the weekend.

Twitter: @jadreamweekend.com
Facebook: Smirnoff Dream Weekend

Day One - Friday, July 29th
Smirnoff Flavours - 2:00PM; Amazon Beach, Negril - $2,000 JMD
Smirnoff Twisted Spiritz - 10:00PM; The Rainforest, Negril - $3,000 JMD

Day Two - Saturday, July 30th
Daydreams White Sands - 2:00PM; Long Bay Beach Park, Negril - $5,000 JMD
Yush Miss Beach Party - 10:00PM; Margaritaville, Negril - $3,000 JMD

Day 3 - Sunday, July 31st
Xtreme Wet N Wild - 2:00PM; Kool Runnings Water Park, Negril - $5,000 JMD
Bere Vibes - 10:00PM; The Rainforest, Negril - $3,000 JMD

Day 4 - Monday, August 1st
Smirnoff Xclusive Celebrity Playground - 2:00PM; Margaritaville, Negril - $3,000 JMD

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Order your tickets online
Weekend armband: US$190.00 (J$14,000 at local ticket outlets)

3 more days! ATI Weekend in Negril | July 29-Aug 2, 2011

Theresa — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 19:10:03 +0000

Appleton Jamaica Rum once again sponsors Appleton Temptation Isle (ATI) celebrating 11 years of high energy and wild abandon!

And THIS year's ATI weekend will for the very first time, an all-inclusive experience for the entire weekend. Yes, officials have confirmed that all parties will include food and drink!

Enjoy 18 hours of partying with 6 hours of sleep, spread out over 4 days during the Emancipation Day Holiday weekend in the most idyllic spot in the Western Hemisphere, Negril, Jamaica! ATI is one of the summer’s most anticipated and celebrated party series and pulls thousands of Jamaicans and overseas visitors together in party unity, with each party bearing a distinct theme and flavour.

Purchase armbands now for $135 USD ($10,000 JMD) at the official ATI Weekend website.

There is NO parking on the strip. Norman Manley Blvd. is closed from 6PM to 4AM, so plan accordingly. Use the designated parking lots and courtesy shuttles.

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Friday, July 29th
“Naked” - Miami's Hottest
Waves Beach, Negril
10PM-4AM

Saturday, July 30th
“Pretty in Pink” - Girl Power
Cosmos Pink Paradise Beach, Negril
2PM-10PM

"Colours" - Jouvert
Long Bay Beach Park, Negril
10PM-4AM

Sunday, July 31st
"Wild Sides" - India
Office of Nature, Negril
2PM-10PM

"Stages" - New Orleans
Stages Paradise
9PM-5AM

Monday, August 1st (Emancipation Day)
"Smudge" - Rehab by the Beach
Long Bay Beach, Negril
12PM-8PM

"Officially Diagnosed"- Drippin' Wet
Bourbon Beach, Negril
6PM-2AM

"Appleton Heatwave" - Concert
Waves Beach, Negril
10PM-4AM

Don’t miss it! 2011 Portland Jerk Festival | this Sunday, July 3rd | Port Antonio, Jamaica

Theresa — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 19:00:46 +0000

How can you really top this - delicious Jamaican jerk and fun family-oriented entertainment - all in one place?? Come savor Jamaica's most famous style of cooking this Sunday, July 3rd, at the 12th Portland Jerk Festival in Port Antonio, Jamaica! This Festival is always a favorite and this year's should be no exception.

As usual, the Festival expects a bumper crop of locals from all over the island as well as tourists to make the annual trip to Portland to enjoy the creations of Jamaica's popular chefs. The event always features more than 25 authentic jerk vendors from Portland, the "Home of Jerk", and other areas. Expect to sample jerked pork, chicken, lobster, shrimp, goat, sausage, beef and conch, and other jerked meats at reasonable prices, along with the traditional side dishes of rice and peas, festival, breadfruit and yam. There are also vegetarian dishes available. I am hungry already!

Where:

When:

Cultural:

Music:

Kiddies' Village:

Competitions:

Admission:

NO igloos allowed.

Parking/shuttles:

The Portland Jerk Festival is a celebration of two features unique to the Jamaican culture - reggae and jerk, and this is a fun way to showcase both. You can enjoy the peaceful laid-back atmosphere and lovely surroundings of Port Antonio while you're there!

The Origins of Jerk

The technique of “jerking” is thought to have originated with the Maroons, descendants of slaves who were freed from their Spanish masters and lived in the island’s most remote mountain areas. Meat is first marinated for hours in an spicy but flavorful mixture of peppers, pimento seeds, scallion, thyme and then cooked over an outdoor pit lined with pimento wood. (The Maroons did the cooking underground to camouflage the smoke.) The low heat allows the meat to cook slowly, retaining the natural juices while becoming infused with the flavor of the wood and the different spices.