On February 11 and 12, my homeland of Trinidad and Tobago will be in the throes of Carnival madness. I will be on my couch in Chicago, wistfully looking at tweets and updates from home. I’ve made a promise to myself that 2014 will be my year! For those of you headed there this year,…
Trinidad and Tobago
The Great Coconut Comparison – Naked Vs. The Real Thing
There are many beverages I know nothing about. Don’t ask me to discuss the finer points of coffee or the subtle flavors of wine. I do know a thing or two about tea. And I know a whole lot about coconut water, based entirely on my life experience of being a Trini. I…
My FAVORITE Moments from the London 2012 Olympics
Wait, what? The Olympics are officially over? Whatever will I watch on TV now? For the past two weeks I’ve been absolutely glued to the television every waking moment, watching the world’s best athletes compete at the top of their game. There have been SO many incredible Olympic moments, so much to see and be…
Happy Mother’s Day To Anyone Who’s Motherly
I remember when I was a teenager, a classmate of mine made a joke about my family. “It’s like you have four mothers,” my friend said. I’m sure it was in response to me complaining about not being able to do something or go somewhere. Either way, my friend’s statement stuck with me and back…
It’s Carnival!!
Maybe you’re in Trinidad, and woke up at the crack of dawn to slather yourself with oil or mud to play j’ouvert in the darkness before sunrise. Maybe right now you’re sprinkling your skin with glitter before getting into that intricately adorned costume to palance and pose off in your all-inclusive section. Maybe you’re in…
Beauty in Trinidad — Local Products and Where to Shop
My visit back to Trinidad was everything and then some. I got to see old friends and spend time with family and revisit my past. I also got to experience new places and things, and appreciate my country and culture in a whole new way. It was a whirlwind visit and just let me know…
RIP, Sir Ellis Clarke
He was the second to last Govenor-General, and the first ever President of Trinidad and Tobago. He was a man of tremendous intelligence and class, eloquent and well mannered in his every appearance. And today, Trinidad and Tobago mourns one of our greats. Sir Ellis Emmanuel Innocent Clarke will be laid to rest in a…
Kinky Curly Comes to Trinidad!
One of the most popular questions I get from my Trinidadian afrobellas is – where can I get these products you speak of? It’s true – in the USA we’ve got a wealth of natural hair goodness at ready disposal. When these products are imported and sold elsewhere, they’re often marked up to high heaven…
Trini and Proud of It
“Trinidad is my land And of it I am proud and glad But I can’t understand Why some people does talk it bad. All of them who runnin’ dey mouth Don’t know whey they talkin’ bout They will paint here black everyday, But the right things they would never say…” I had to open this…