Before I dive headfirst into this post, I know I owe SEVERAL readers a heartfelt apology.

If you’ve sent me an e mail within the past oh… six months, asking me advice on how to start a blog or build your blog audience, I’ve been meaning to write back. Really I have. But every day I’m inundated with e mail. Every day I’ve got a monstrous things-to-do list and on top of all of that, I’m a forgetter. Just ask my mom, and she’ll probably go into a long rant about those photos/products/e mails I promised to send her and all kinds of other yadda-yadda-yadda.

Please don’t be mad at me, my brain is like a sieve. It’s a problem.

But anyway, I’ve recieved several e mails recently from aspiring or new bloggers asking the same kinds of questions. So I will attempt to answer some of them here. If you want to be a blogger, these are my top five insights.

1. Blogging may start as a hobby…but it’s a hobby that requires a tremendous amount of work. Are you ready to put in work?

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My daily shower routine is a little bizarre I guess.

I like to use bar soap first, then slough my skin with a decadent, lavishly scented body wash using my trusty bath puff-thingy. And I like to have several options at the ready. How do I choose the body wash du jour? That entirely depends on the day and the vibe I want to enjoy for the next 24 hours (unless I feel like spoiling myself with an evening shower too)!

These are my top 5 current fave body washes. There’s one for every beauty lover’s taste — expensive, affordable, and every price point in between!

1. Caress Evenly Gorgeous Body Wash. OK, I’ll make it a tie with Caress Cashmere Luxury Body Wash, just because I love anything and everything vanilla! But if you have rough skin or just want really soft smooth skin, Evenly Gorgeous is the one for you. It’s infused with burnt brown sugar and karite butter to tone and exfoliate, and I gotta tell ya, it smells delish. And apparently Spoiled Pretty and Kim Kardashian agree with me!

The texture isn’t too grainy so this won’t irritate my sensitive-skinned bellas. Plus it’s affordable and here’s a bonus — coupon, anyone?

Caress has a great initiative with fashion guru Carson Kressley, all about flaunting your skin with the hottest clothing trends. Click here to peep his vids and be inspired!

2. Bodycology Foaming Bath & Shower Gel. If you really like the kind of lush scented body washes available at Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret but don’t want to break a Hamilton, check out Bodycology, a line of bath products that cost under $10 and are typically available at supermarkets and Walmart, but smell like heaven. I’ve tried a number of their scents, but I keep returning to White Gardenia and the delicious Coconut Lime, SO refreshing for summertime!
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New York, New York!

I have a love/hate relationship with the city, I can’t deny. I love it because there’s so much to see and do and experience! It’s the epicenter of absolutely everything I’m into – writing, blogging, beauty, style, good food, fun…

I hate it because I don’t live there.

Don’t get me wrong, I just moved to the Chi and I’m happy to be here! But I’ll be damned – doesn’t it seem like EVERY hot event is in NYC? What’s with that?

Every time I visit New York, it’s hard for me to leave. I always leave with a feeling of loss, of imcompleteness, of wait – there’s SO much more I wanted to do here! But I reassure myself with the knowledge that I’ll be back. I just visited in March, and I’m already plotting my return. Did someone say Fashion Week? Hell yeah! Next time I visit NYC, I’ve got 5 places I need to spend more time at. Here they are, in no particular order.

1. The East Village. Every time I come visit, I stay with my homegirl Jenny in the West Village. And it’s super fun for sure… but I’m new to the East Village. And it just has a flavor to it that I LOVE. Mohawked punk rockers strolling alongside silver haired abuelitas dragging little suitcases on wheels, hair colors, piercings, and tattoos the likes of which you don’t see regularly anyplace else, and a plethora — PLETHORA of funky restaurants, boutiques, and bars to check out. I darted in and out of Max Brenner, Chocolate By the Bald Man for a fabulicious hot chocolate, and I NEED MORE. This place is a chocolaholic’s mecca, I swear! En route we whizzed through Village Kitchen — I could spend a grip in a store like this! Every kind of kitchen gadget you’ve imagined, and a score more you’ve never seen before. If you imagine yourself an at-home like I do, this could be your little corner of heaven. Another store I have-to-have-to-have-to visit next time I’m in NYC is a teeny jewelry shop that all but yanked me in as I strolled by. When I met the owner, I realized fate had stepped into my life yet again. The store’s called The Shape of Lies and the owner’s name is Peggy. Just like my mom!

The Shape of Lies specializes in historic reproduction jewelry, and some of their pieces are just stunners. I almost don’t want to blog about them too much because there’s a necklace there that is MINE, you read me? MINE! As soon as I can pony up the cash! Their jewelry isn’t cheap, but it certainly will get you noticed and remembered. I have made a promise to gift myself with a little something from The Shape of Lies. If you’re ever in the neighborhood, please stop by and tell Peggy you read about her on Afrobella!

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“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 post with a quote from the Mighty Sniper’s timeless song Portrait of Trinidad. Even though it was a hit in 1965, the words still ring true today. Trinidad is a beautiful island with a terrible reputation right now. I wouldn’t be a responsible blogger if I didn’t get that out of the way. But Trinidad is my homeland. Of it I am proud and glad. Despite everything, it remains an island with unparallelled music, cuisine, and cultural experiences to be enjoyed.

I was born and raised in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and I lived in Trinidad until 1998. In my college days I made it back home pretty often, but ever since I joined the ranks of the employed (and then the unemployed), it became more difficult to get back home. Not having spring, summer, or winter break will do that to you.

Before this past Mother’s Day, the last time I’d been home was 2006, Before Afrobella. Just last Christmas I broke Mama Bella’s heart by not being able to make it home for Christmas. Then came Carnival and I had to dash her hopes yet again. Then my husband and I quit the jobs that were holding us back from following our dreams. Needless to say, after that a trip to Trinidad was not on the horizon. So when my dad suggested a surprise trip home for Mother’s Day, it was impossible to resist. After all, I was about to move from sunny Miami to the Windy City – I needed to soak up the tropical rays and family love while I could!

It turned out to be impossible to contain the excitement in my close-knit, chatty family. Mama Bella’s Mother’s Day surprise wasn’t exactly a surprise… but I know I made her very happy nonetheless. I spent some much-needed family time and got back to basics. It was lovely.

Going home feels like returning to an old self. In so many ways — even my skin and hair rebelled against the 90 degree temperatures, leaving me looking like a crazy-haired spotty teenager. No matter. I was there for fun, sun, family, and good food. While I was visiting, it hit me — how on EARTH had I never written an Afrobella guide to Trinidad before? Saying “my bad” feels like an understatement. Without further ado, here are my top five favorite places in Trinidad and Tobago. Excluding my house because that’s too obvious. =)

1. Maracas Beach. I’m convinced Trinis don’t always realize how good they have it. 80 degree temperatures year round. Lush green mountains and sparkling blue waters. Nonstop fun and great food to be discovered, if you know where to look. Maracas Beach is a great place to start for all of the above, and it’s a must for any first time visitor to T&T.

The roads are steep, winding and can be unpredictable (beware of landslides and crazy drivers!). But the vista at the lookout point will absolutely take your breath away. Maracas is a beautiful beach, but people don’t just go there to wiggle their toes in the sand. Oh no. Maracas is the famous home of bake and shark.

Click ahead to 2:35 to begin the Maracas segment. And please note that the worldly Travel Channel Bizarre Foods host Andrew Zimmern saw fit to call it “the best fish sandwich I’ve ever eaten…one of my all time top ten favorite foods, not just of this trip, not just of this year. Ever.” So you don’t just have to take it from me, take it from a man with a truly adventurous palate. The New York Times also called it “just about the best fish sandwich in the world.” I agree completely. This humble fried fish sandwich is a fine reason to beeline for the beach. Most people head straight for Richard’s, undoubtedly the most popular venue. But there’s always an insane line at Richard’s. Besides his, there are a dozen or so stands, and my dad introduced me to his favorite – Uncle Sam’s. His bake & shark is to die for, trust! Laden it with as many condiments as you can stand — pickled cucumbers, tamarind sauce, mango chutney – the list is endless. One bite and you’ll be hooked for life!

2. The Savannah. For architecture, flora, and yes – good food (this is a theme you’ll notice throughout), you can’t miss a trip around the Savannah. Actually you probably won’t be able to miss a trip around the Savannah in general — at 260 acres, it’s touted as “the world’s largest roundabout.” The Savannah is home to the Magnificent Seven — turn of the century mansions that reflect the skill, craftsmanship and creativity of Trinidad’s architects and developers. It’s also home to the Emperor Valley Zoo, which when I last visited was in such a glum state I wished with my whole heart I could buy it, restore it to glory, and bring some joy and dignity to the animals that must be so unhappy to live there. It’s a heartbreaking experience for an animal lover, and I sincerely hope the government invests money into Trinidad’s languishing cultural landmarks, including the zoo, the Botanic Gardens, and the museum. It’s been reported that a renovation has been planned and I sincerely, sincerely hope it comes to fruition. OK, off soapbox. Tour guide hat back on.

The Savannah is another spot for unique cuisine and cultural experiences. At Carnival it is the blazing epicenter of the costume and steelpan competitions. It’s home to Apsara, the Indian restaurant rated #1 in the country according to Trip Advisor. And it’s the best place to come for coconut water straight from the nut, and for Indian delicacies like pholourie and saheena.

This photo captures two things I sincerely miss about home — All Saints Church, the church I grew up attending. I can honestly say the priest I had there as a child, was the coolest, most interesting, wonderful priest I could ever have hoped for. Father Winston Joseph can now be found in West Palm Beach at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and if you’re in the area and looking for a house of worship, I heartily encourage you to check him out! I miss good ol’ All Saints, and coconut water. I could go for a fresh, cold coconut water right this minute! That’s gonna be REALLY hard to find in Chicago!

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The truck’s loaded up, the house is as empty and clean as the day we moved into it three years ago, and the time has come to say goodbye to my home of the past 11 years, the only American city I’ve ever lived in. Will you miss me, Miami? I’ll miss you. Not all of you, mind – there’s valid reasons for me to make this move. But I’ll miss your unique and quirky charms nonetheless. Here are the 5 things I’m going to miss the most.

1. The family we created. My husband’s family is mostly concentrated in the midwest, and mine’s almost all in Trinidad. But still we managed to make a family of friends in Miami, friends who’d come over almost every night for dinner and every weekend for barbecues, friends we could rely on if we needed them, who knew they could rely on us if the roles were reversed. Our band of brothers and sisters. Some have already moved away, some still reside in South Florida. I miss them all already. Lino and Lauren, Jenny and Jackie, Jeff and AJ. The Wolfman Jack. Clementyne, Alison, Sara. John, Jessica, Zane, Errol, Pablo, Roger. Forrest and Lydia. Francisco and Frank Houston. Melissa Burley, the best bartender in Miami. Rebecca, Nadine, Karen, Cristina and Diana, and the grandpa I never thought I’d have, Charlie Cinnamon… you know who you are. To quote Roger, “it’s a forever thing.” It so is, and we’ll always be in touch. Promise!

2.Familiarity. It hit me maybe a month ago, as I was on the way to my favorite book store in Miami, Books & Books. Traffic was backed up on Red Road and Ponce de Leon, so I went the other way and took beautiful Blue Road, winding past the lush lawns and gorgeous homes of Coral Gables. “Wow. I’m going to miss knowing where I’m going.” Now I won’t know the shortcuts or neighborhoods, and I expect to feel lost as I figure out my way around this new city I will make my home. It’ll take me a while and I’ll get there eventually… but yeah. I will miss knowing the ins and outs and back roads of Miami like the back of my hand.

3.Fabulousity. I definitely enjoyed a great life in Miami, and I’ve been feted and pampered at some of the finest spas and salons in the city. The Ritz Carltons at Key Biscayne and South Beach (and ooh, the new Eau Spa at the Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach is to DIE FOR). The Mandarin Oriental, Lace Beauty Lab, Wax On Wax Off, ESPA at Acqualina, Uhma Spa, and Salon Vaso (which I’ll feature here on Afrobella soon, promise!) — Miami is a beautiful city and the places you can go to for beautifying treaments are hard to beat. I look forward to discovering Chicago’s pampering palaces, but I’m a bit skeptical. Few things can beat an oceanfront couple’s massage at the Ritz in Key Biscayne. Just sayin’.

4. The food. OMG, the food. Miami’s culture is diverse, sure… but it definitely skews heavily towards Latin and Caribbean. Which is great for me! I know Chicago is a great food town and I sincerely look forward to discoverings its unique culinary pleasures. But MAN, I’m gonna miss Caribbean Delite. And Jamaica Kitchen (which was featured on the Food Network, dontcha know). I heart Havana Harry’s and my favorite restaurant of all, Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar and Latam Grill. Anyone know of a good roti shop or Jamaican restaurant in the Chi?

5. Last but definitely not least, I will miss the weather. I grew up a Caribbean girl and chose Miami because it reminded me so much of home in term of the vegetation and the climate. The first thing everyone commented on when I told them I was moving to Chicago was, “oooh, you’re gonna be cold there!” I know, I know. But I picked the perfect time to move! It’s balmy and warm and beautiful this weekend, so my spirits are high. But I know there will be days ahead where I’m cold and sad and missing the blazing tropic heat. But you know what they say – forward ever, backward never. I’m psyched to be in Chicago! If you’re from the windy city, let me know the hotspots I need to check out. I’m ready to explore my new home town!

I couldn’t make it to this month’s New York Fashion Week, and reading the resports and reviewers from my beauty blog friends did make me turn an unflattering shade of green, I must admit. Turns out my jealousy might just have matched one of the hot beauty trends my blog sisters spotted at the tents and presentations!

Because I couldn’t be there, I asked one of my very favorite beauty bloggers in the biz, Lianne the Makeup Girl! She is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside, let me tell you. And she’s a busy beauty indeed — Lianne is not only holding down her own amazing blog, but now she’s part of the Clutch Magazine team, blogging beauty stuff on Fuchsia. Go ‘head Lianne!

These are the 5 biggest trends that she noticed overall at NYFW this year (in italics), and my recommendations on products I’ve tried that I know will help you achieve those hot looks!

1. Sheer natural makeup. Nearly every show that I went where MAC was doing the makeup, they used moisturizer or mixing mediums with foundation to sheer it out. OR they used mineralize skinfinish in natural and no foundation at all.

Click here to peep video of Lianne interviewing Phillipe C. of MAC, who produced the tres sheer look at Alexandre Herchovitch’s show. And of course everyone loves MAC, but I gotta say Make Up For Ever’s HD Invisible Cover Foundation has been rocking my world lately. It’s light, oil free, and really does what it says — “harmonizes the complexion” for those days when you want to look effortlessly flawless.

2. Eye shadow that mimics the colors of a forest. Lots of greens, golds and browns.

Ooh, I LOVE this trend! Forest-colored eyeshadows can make brown eyes pop, and the colors glow on warm, dark skin tones. I recently created a similar look with Natura New York Cosmetics.

I had never heard of this brand until recently, when I was literally pulled into the store at The Falls mall here in Miami. I’m glad I was — their mineral eye shimmer is amazing!. For a forest-inspired look, I definitely recommend bronzique and pistachio. Both shades are glimmery and iridescent and glint gorgeously on warm brown skin. Every single time I wear pistachio, I get crazy compliments.

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