Bellas, now that we’ve done the eating healthy portion of our 4th of July weekend, might I propose a toast?

Cheers to fabulous 4th of July cocktails!

But only if you’re over 21, mmmkay?

Part of the fun of having an at-home celebration is whipping up deliciousness in the kitchen and serving your guests something both festive and delicious. So allow me to present to you the Afrobellatini!

This concoction was made by my friend Courtney who has an amazing food blog at CocoCooks. You gotta check her out! Here’s the deetz on the drink:

“Natural, real, rich, complex, and sweet. Raspberry Currant simple syrup, Cognac, Cointreau, served in a chilled martini glass. Garnished with currants. Edible Blue Glitter optional for Independence Day.”

How do you make this summer fruit inspired deliciousness? Here’s the recipe!

– Raspberry Currant Simple Syrup: 1 pint each of raspberries and currants. 1 cup water, 1 Cup sugar. Bring to boil. Let sit for 20 minutes, Strain, set aside.

– Cocktail: 1 part Cognac, 1 part Rasp Currant Simple syrup, 1/4-1/2 part Cointreau, Shake all with ice and serve in a chilled glass. Garnish with edible Blue Glitter for Independance Day and a sprig of currants.

Fabulous, right?

The Afrobellatini is an elegant cocktail, meant to be sipped at a fab garden party. But what if you’re having an affair that’s a bit more um, down n’ dirty BBQ style? Well that might call for a little something we came up with called the Pank Drank.

Myself and my homeboy Francisco Alvarado — ahem, multiple award winning journalist Francisco Alvarado — came up with this when he helped us move from Miami to Chicago.

The recipe is easy! Get a big ol’ glass pitcher, add a liberal and unrestrained amount of Rosangel hibiscus tequila, lots of OJ, a little grenadine and a big splash of Grand Marnier. Over ice? So very nice. This one can sneak up on you, so be forewarned. And PS - the Rosangel website includes several, far fancier recipes. We just wanted to whip up something simple and super easy.

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I don’t know about you, but in the summertime my skin goes ka-razy.

I find myself almost constantly plagued by acne and excess oil. Lucky me - being a beauty blogger I have the privilege of reviewing quite the variety of skin care products, some of which are insanely pricey. I’ll do a review on the latest and greatest soon! But when my skin’s at its most unpredictable, I find myself reaching for the tried and tested, and super affordable. That means good ol’ Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque, which retails for $3.99 online.

It calms down my frazzled face with green kaolin clay goodness, and makes a great overnight spot treatment if I have an especially hellacious zit. Plus, the minty scent and cooling clay make it an ideal summer skin savior.

I kind of can’t believe I’ve never reviewed this product before. But at the same time I can — how often do you really think about your standby beauty favorites? The products your mom used, that sit there patiently at the back of your bathroom cabinet until you realize they’re exactly the thing you’ve been needing all along? I’d also include St. Ives Apricot Scrub and Pond’s Cold Cream.

Queen Helene’s been producing the same goodness for 75 years now, but looky here! A new line of fair trade certified cocoa butter products! I’m gonna have to check em out.

What are your stand-by never fail beauty faves? Do you have any special summertime skin saviors?

Calling out around the world - are you ready for a brand new beat?
Summer’s here, the time is right for dancing in the street!

Martha and the Vandellas said it best, and I’ve been following the lead. Tis the season for flirty dresses, fresh accessories, outdoor festivities, and flip flops. Let your feet breathe, and let the dancing commence!

But there are SO many fly flip flops up for grabs nowadays. The price range is ridiculous — from $3 Old Navy flippies that might last a season or two, to high end bejeweled thong sandals.

You might have your eye on the hot to death Giuseppe Zanottis, but at $200 +, I don’t know many bellas who would willingly make such a summer splurge. If you’re seeking sandals that can take you from the beach to the most sizzling outdoor festivals, look no further. I’ve got some tried-and-tested recommendations that will make your feet look cute and feel comfortable all day long, and will last you through several summers. All under $50, promise!

First stop, Havaianas! The Brazilian flip flops have earned a reputation as being both fashionable and comfortable. Women who own them tend to swear that they’re the best slippers money can buy, and having finally given them a road test, I can understand why. Havaianas are thicker than your average and cushioned for comfort, the bit between your toes doesn’t chafe, and with their latest model the Fit, that thwack-thwack-thwack element of every other flippie has been eliminated. I love their simple elegance, and the straps between the toes and around the ankle elevates these from your everyday flip flops. No wonder they cost $30!

A relatively recent trend I can get behind is flip flops for the bride. I wish I had the foresight to get me a pair back when I got hitched — the ballet slippers I had dyed to match my dress were not the biz, in terms of wearing them after the big event. Brides and fashionable ladies who want to change their style up are in luck thanks to Switchflops! I love the idea of these shoes!

Switchflops are such a simple, chic concept it’s kind of amazing they didn’t exist before. Choose your sole, and then switch your strap as much as you’d like. Switchflops straps come with a velcro back and a pretty button at the “V”, in so many colors it’ll boggle your mind. Solids and patterns, shiny straps and matte, animal prints, florals, you can wear em however you like. And you can get basic black or brown rubber soles, or go fancy and get the adorable 2 inch kitten heels for fancier occasions. Switchflops range from $35 to $49 for the shoe, and straps are $12.
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“Don’t stop. Anywhere.”
“Maybe you should wear a hat or something.”
“Seriously, even if you have to go to the bathroom, do not stop. Anywhere!”

That’s just SOME of the advice I got when I let my friends and family know that the road trip I was taking would bring me through the South. Please understand, this advice was coming from well-meaning, concerned people who love me, who only knew of the reputation of the region. People outside of America, of an age old enough to have witnessed America’s most turbulent change in the Sixties and Seventies, or who have only spent time in big bustling cities have a stereotype of the South firmly fixed in their minds. And it isn’t a pretty one, especially regarding race relations.

Let’s be honest, stories like this one, about the still-segregrated proms in Georgia, don’t help in the PR department. I can’t believe that’s still an accepted, unchallenged way of life in parts of this country. It’s sad to admit, but after all that advice, I felt pinpricks of doubt before embarking on the journey — especially since I’d be riding with my husband. I was concerned about how I as a black woman, us as an interracial couple, would be greeted.

Not all the advice I recieved was alarming. One of the most soothing voices of reassurance came from my friend Forrest, who yup — is from Alabama. “Patrice, it isn’t the Sixties. You’re going to be fine. And you’re gonna have fun, too.”

In March and May, I traveled through upstate Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and we took a wrong turn and briefly wound up in Kentucky. I spent time and explored Mobile, Alabama, and Chapel Hill North Carolina.

I’m so happy to report, Forrest was right. I had a blast!

The only place I got even so much as a strange look was in West Virginia when me and my buddy TheFrankness, better known as Journalist of the Year and my bro fo’ life Francisco Alvarado, got out at a rural gas station for a bathroom break. And that was all it was, strange looks from people who probably weren’t used to seeing the likes of us. We kept it moving, no worries, no drama.

Driving through the South reminded me of just how stunningly beautiful America is. Majestic mountains, lush flowering trees everywhere, hills and valleys and verdant beauty as far as the eye can see. The region is aesthetically stunning. Here’s a little slide show of the things I saw, from a giant peach in Georgia to mammies for sale on Dauphin Street in Mobile, AL. I know, I know. I couldn’t believe it myself. I had to take a picture to remind myself what decade we’re living in.
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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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“It’s just one of those days that a girl goes through
When I’m angry inside,
Don’t wanna take it out on you.
Just one of them things.
Don’t take it personal.”

Monica was what, 14 when she sang that song? But homegirl spoke for me then, and even now as a grown woman. All of us have “one of those days” every now and then. Mine are always precipitated by the arrival of good ol’ Aunt Flo.

On those days, I often find myself in a glass case of emotion. Overwhelmed by the littlest things, prone to unexpected and inexplicable crying jags, and likely to be snippy and/or irritable and depressed. I become the kind of person I’m easily annoyed by.

I’ve tried many different PMS remedies, various pills and liquids administered with little droppers from the health food store. Feh. They taste awful and they don’t work. Right now, here’s one thing that does.

1. I pull myself away from whatever has been the source of my stress — whether that’s a specific person, the phone, the TV, the computer… whatever’s getting to me.

2. I take some time to regulate my breathing. Just closing my eyes and taking some slow, cleansing, deep breaths that fill my stomach and lungs with fresh energy makes the world of difference.

3. I reach for the get a grip.

The Republic of Tea is all about delicious blends, and their Be Well Red Teas serve specific purposes. Get a grip is a caffeine-free, high-antioxidant, organic rooibos blend that also includes soothing chaste berry and black cohosh, “which encourages hormonal harmony and can assist in reducing premenstrual and menopausal annoyances.”

That’s what they’re saying, and it sounds good to me.

To be honest, sometimes get a grip on its own isn’t tasty enough, so I make a special iced happytime blend of various teas that all have special healing properties. Sipping it makes me feel calm, cool, and collected once more. I made it yesterday and YUM! It’s a refreshing way to sweeten my mood. Here’s my recipe, complete with links so you can buy the bags:
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