She’ll do the full skirt and even a veil, but no lace, silk, or beading for this down-toearth bride. She’s taking it natural with a cotton dress and veil for her outdoor wedding.
CONTENT Issue 32 | June 2014
12 15 21 23 36 39 42 45 48 51 55 58 61
Ladies Who Brunch Financial Resources The Hidden Gem Ripe Travel to the Dutch Isle of Saba The June Bride & The Dress St. Thomas Carnival Triple the Focus’ Summer Reading List 5 Summer Beauty Trends 3 Simple Steps to Get out of Debt The Wonderful World of Bunji Garlin & Fayann Lyons Singing Siren Abby Dallas Oracabessa Festival Summer Style: Swimwear Everything You Need to Know About Sugar
ST. THOMAS
ANTIGUA
ST. MAARTEN 21st–22nd
Oneness Reggae Festival Jamaica
17th-18th Rebel Salute Jamaica
13th – 16th
Moonsplash Anguilla
15th
28th – 30th
3rd - 4th
St. Croix Food and Wine Experience
9 Mile Music Festival Miami, FL
United Nations of Dub UK
30th-Feb. 1st
Jamaica Jazz & Blues
31st.
6th – 12th
Raggamuffin New Zealand
Dominica Mas Domnik
30th–Feb. 4th
3rd - 4th
Grenada Carriacou Regatta
Trinidad and Tobago Carnival
6th – 9th
St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Carnival
23rd
Guyana Music Festival
7th – April 27th
Jamaica Carnival
28th
Reggae on the Hill Barbados
26th – May 2nd Sailing Week Antigua
30th - May 11th
St. Lucia Jazz Festival
BARBADOS
UNITED KINGDOM
8th - 14th 1st – 3rd
VI Carnival St. Thomas
CHICAGO
2nd
Grenada Carriacou Maroon Music Festival
9th – 11th
Sunshine Reggae Festival on the Beach France
23rd – 25th
MIAMI JAMAICA
California Roots California
Jamaica Reggae Sumfest
13th – 15th
15th – 17th
20th – 22nd
26th - August 5th
Reggae in the Hills California
Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, California
25th
Best of the Best Florida
27th – July 5th
29th – Jun 1st 6th – 8th
Riddim Festival Aalborg Denmark
NEW ZEALAND
1st – 3rd
Grenada Spicemas Carnival
Reggae Jam Bersenbruk, Germany
3rd – 6th 4th – 5th
12th – 14th
Unity Festival Guernville, CA
Lakesplash Festival Switzerland
4th – 6th
Summer Jam Germany
8th – 10th
6th – 12th
9th – 13th
St. Croix Food and Wine Experience
10th
10th-14th
6th – 8th
City of Trees Music Festival ,California
Antigua Carnival
St. Vincent & The Grenadines Six Flags Reggae Concert Series Vincy Festival New Jersey
International Festival of Life Chicago
Ruhr Reggae Summr Germany
One Love Festival Leighton Buzzard, UK
26th - 28th
St. Kitts & Nevis Music Festival
23rd – 26th
Kentucky Reggae Festival Kentuck
13th - 19th
Ocho Rios Jazz Festival
20th – 25th
Welcome to Jamrock Cruise Miami, FL
Riddim Stage Sonde borg, Denmark Bababoom Festiva Marina Palmense, Italy Issue 31|May 2014 5
WWW.TRIPLETHEFOCUS.COM
T RIP CARIBBEAN
A
TO THE
WITHOUT
GOING
THERE
Editor's Note THE HEAT IS ON! (Tell me can you feel it) (Tell me can you feel it) The heat is on, the heat is on, the heat is on Oh it’s on the street, the heat is on. . . It is June and the heat is on. Old man winter got a swift kick in the pants and now we can shed all those layers and enjoy the great outdoors. Not only has June ushered in warmer temps but also wedding season. Yes the only dress that a girl can shamelessly spend a couple thousand dollars on without judgment. This was the inspiration behind our June issue with drennaLUNA one of a kind design gracing the cover. Absolutely breathtaking don’t you agree? June also inspired my “Must Do” and “Must Have” checklists. It was with great pleasure that I sat down to put this list together – and in record time I might add. I really wanted to share a slice of my heaven with you – a very short list of some of the things that make me happy. I am sure you have a list of your own that you can’t wait to check off as you go. Activities are great but don’t forget to do some reading as well. To help you with that, we put together a list of some of the most thought provoking books that are making their rounds in various books clubs and on book review lists. These books, I am sure, you will re-read for years to come. After Lists and more lists is the underlying theme in this months’ issue but I am sure that you won’t mind making room on your list for one or few items from ours. I’d love to add a few of your items on my list. Share with me at editor@triplethefocus.com and I will be sure to respond letting you know what I have added. Until next month, stay cool and continue to live your best life!
Stacey Bethel Your Editor-in-Chief Editor@Triplethefocus.com
Issue 32|June 2014 7
Our Editor s
1.
Summer Checklist 1. Subscribe to Cocotique! Every month, you will receive a COCOTIQUE Box with 5-6 expertly curated beauty and lifestyle samples delivered to your door. Your COCOTIQUE Box will include a variety of samples from skin care, hair care, fragrance, nail and lifestyle companies. 2. Grab the girls and head to SoCo Brooklyn for brunch. SoCo is a full service Southern Fusion restaurant concept in Brooklyn, NY. SoCo is equal parts restaurant and cocktail bar. Designer Andres Aladin, describes the restaurant as “the Brooklyn Bridge turned into a restaurant.” 3. Try making a Bartenura infused cocktail at your next BBQ/gathering. My favorite is the “Bartacolado,” which includes 3 parts Bartenura Moscato, 1 part coconut rum and 1 part pineapple juice. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake and serve. Garnish with fresh pineapple. For additional recipes, visit bartenura.com. 4. Are you looking for this summer’s must haves and/or chic dresses for your upcoming vacation? Look no further - visit drennaluna.com! 5. Wine tasting in the Hamptons! Nothing is more fun, romantic and relaxing than a trip to the Hamptons on a Sunday afternoon. The vineyards offer an amazing selection of local wines that is sure to please every palate. My absolute favorites are Channing Daughters, Wolffer Estate and Duckwalk. Try the 2012 Blueberry Port at Duckwalk vineyards, it is to die for.
3.
2.
4.
5.
OUR EDITOR’S SUMMER “MUST HAVES”
1.
4.
1. Leather Shopper. $159.00 Available at Zara. com 2. Mave Woven Wedge Day Sandal. $295.00 – Available at bcbg.com 3. Panama Hat in two-tone. $65.00 – Available at jcew. com
2.
4. Anna Sui Lacepaneled silk kimono top. $247.50 – Available at neta-porter.com 5. Saloni Iris colorblock georgette maxi dress. $385
3.
5.
FOUNDER & EDITOR IN CHIEF STACEY BETHEL
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: VICTOR E. LEWIS ART & CONTENT DIRECTOR: MIKELAH ROSE
FASHION FASHION DIRECTOR: Arlene Martin (drennaLUNA) FASHION EDITOR: Camesha Powell
BEAUTY BEAUTY EDITOR: Christine Carr
FEATURES Neka Williams Malaika Lepine Shantell “SHANZ” Hill
LIFESTYLE Jo Wheeler Raine Martin
PHOTO
ABOUT TRIPLE THE FOCUS
Marc Evans, MARC EVANS IMAGES Ajamu Myrie, AJAMU PHOTOGRAPHY
Caribbean E-Magazine, Triple the Focus launched its publication on October 5, 2011. With features that run the gamut from Music, Entertainment, Fitness, Beauty, Travel, Lifestyle and Finance, the Magazine has a reach that extends across the globe and includes countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South and Central America and by large the Caribbean. To date, the magazine has over 2,300,000 million page views not including other high traffic websites that hosts the link of the magazine on a monthly basis.
On July 23, 2013, Triple the Focus was featured on the homepage of Digital Publishing website, Issue. Out of 11 million publications, Triple the Focus’ February 2013 issue featuring athlete, Asafa Powell, June 2013 issue featuring Grammy Award winning reggae artist, Shaggy and July 2013 issue featuring 2010’ Miss Universe runner-up Yendi Phillips, were prominently featured on the site exposing the magazine to 72 million readers.
CONTACT EMAIL: Info@triplethefocus.com PHONE: 201-981-6960 (US)
LADIES WHO BRUNCH EXPLORED FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR ENTREPRENEURS
Photos by Ajamu Myrie
On Saturday May 17, 2014, Triple the Focus hosted the second installment of their Empowerment series “Ladies Who Brunch.” Attended by women of varying professional backgrounds, the event focused on addressing Financial expert, Suzette Bather shared information neurs which included topics such as Grade Banks, Crowd & Angel Funding, Small Business Association, Community/Mirco Lenders, Alternative/Asset Based Lending, New Market Tax Credit and Foreign Direct investments. Suzette C. Bather, Director of Bather Solutions LLC and Partner of Evans & Nye has over 15 years of professionestate investing. She currently serves as director of Bather Solutions LLC, a diversity and inclusion compliance business while actively brokering townhouse sales in Bedford Stuyvesant with partner Evans & Nye. Her path to real estate began in 2005 as an investor, owner and lessor of her own properties. Suzette has developed a penchant for diversity and inclusion while serving as director for the NY-Manhattan MBDA Business Center (NYCMBC). Funded in part by the US Department of Commerce, the NYCMBC is a business development consulting agency committed to developing its reach to high-earning minority business enterprises in New York/New Jersey and the surrounding regions. During her short time as director, the NYMBC has exceeded performance goals of $84.1 million in contracts and capital awarded to diverse businesses. Prior to taking on director role for the NYCMBC, Ms. Bather honed her professionalism and relatable personality during her 8 years of work at JP Morgan Chase. In Global Procurement Supplier Diversity, she developed statistical reports to track diverse business Bather created sales tactics and trained national sales force on execution techniques and developed and implemented an expense management tool which resulted in $22 million in savings. In Treasury Security Services, Ms. Bather designed models utilizhierarchy for the cash concentration functionality. Ms. Bather holds a BA in Psychology from Binghamton University, an MBA in Finance and ing the Minority Business to Scale” from Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. “Ladies Who Brunch” was held at SoCo Brooklyn and sponsored by Bartenura Moscato, Signature 78, Irie Jam Media and Bather Solutions.
Issue 32|June 2014 13
EAT. DRINK. DISCOVER.
LOWER EAST SIDE 177 EAST HOUSTON CORNER OF ALLEN + HOUSTON 646.837.6100 // PRESERVE24.COM
The hidden Gem:
RIPE
By Neka Williams
Featured on Food Network’s Throwdown with Bobby Flay and listed as one of in Westchester Magazine, Ripe Kitchen and Bar is a hidden gem. Located at 151 West Sandford Blvd, Mount Vernon, New York,
try their homemade fruit punch that will remind you of the tropical islands with just one sip. If you want something with more of a kick, try one of Ripe’ exotic drinks, Pink Panty or Bedroom Bully. Drinks are $11 and up.
piece of Jamaica’ atmosphere created by To complete this Caribbean experience, depending on the weather, Ripe offers owner, Nigel Spence. guests the option to dine inside over candlelight or at the outdoor tiki bar. This Good Things Come in Small Packages restaurant is the perfect scene for a date Although Ripe is a small restaurant, the or just a night out. The next time you are in the Westchester area, make Ripe’s Kitchen extensive menu ranges from appetizers and Bar your next stop. Be sure to log on to such as Buffalo Soldier Jerk Wings ($9.95) to riperestaurant.com for more information. entrees such as Ripe’s “Big-Ass” Jerk RibEye Steak ($21.95) that the employees dare Yard Gone to Italy (Rasta Pasta) ($18.95), which is a mouth-watering mixture of linguine with large shrimp, mushrooms, spinach, ricotta and parmesan cheese. Guests can substitute the shrimp for jerk chicken or combine both. What’s dinner without drinks? Ripe offers a variety of drinks, both non-alcoholic and alcoholic. If you are not much of a drinker, Issue 32|June 2014 15
IT IS ALMoST TIME To PuLL ouT ThE GRILL. hERE’S A RECIPE FoR YouR NExT BARBEquE: Jerk Rib-Eye Steak Total Time: 50 min Prep: 40 min Cook: 10 min Ingredients For Jerk Paste: 1tsp Nutmeg 2tsp White Pepper ¼ cup Black Pepper ½ cup Kosher salt ¾ cup freshly ground Allspice ¾ cup brown Sugar 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper 1 bunch Jamaican Thyme Ingredients For Steak: 2 1lb, 2in thick boneless rib-eye steak Salt and freshly ground black pepper Green papaya relish Ingredients For Dip: 2 Tbsp. honey 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar 2 Tsp. sugar 2 limes juiced 2 green papaya, seeded and cubed ½ large cucumber, cubed 1 small red bell pepper Chopped fresh cilantro and fresh mint leaves
Directions: Combine ingredients for jerk paste into a food processor and process into a thin paste. Heat the grill or grill pan to high. Remove the steaks from the refrigerator 20 min before grilling. Season rib-eye on both sides with salt and pepper. Rub both sides of each steak with the jerk paste and place on the grill. Grill until golden brown and until the paste has formed a crust (3 to 5 min). Flip the steak over, reduce the heat to medium, baste steaks with the jerk paste, and continue cooking to medium-rare or until well-done. Remove the steaks from the grill and let rest for 5 min before slicing. Top the slices with some of the relish. For Dip: Stir together the honey, lime juice, vinegar and sugar until the sugar is dissolved in a medium bowl. Add the papaya, cucumber, bell pepper, cilantro and mint and mix until combined, season with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for at least 15 min before serving. Tip: You can add chopped red and green onions, 2 garlic cloves, 1 Tsp. cinnamon, 1 chopped ginger, and ½ Tsp. ground cloves to the jerk paste.
THE MEMORIES WILL LAST LONG AFTER THE TRIP DOES. You’ll find paradise in the U.S. Virgin Islands. You’ll also find a delicious buffet of savory flavors that’ll make your lips smile. A rich culture of music and tradition that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. A living history where you can walk the same roads as your ancestors. And the extraordinary chance to be moved by these moments—a thrill that doesn’t always happen on vacation. Lucky for you, the USVI isn’t just a vacation.
You, unscripted. Lasting memories begin at visitUSVI.com. /visitusvi
/usvitourism
©2013 U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
TRAVEL To ThE DuTCh CARIBBEAN ISLE oF
SABA Courtesy of sabatourism.com
The island of Saba rises majestically from her clear azure waters, stretching her summit to caress the clouds. She is like no other Caribbean destination. Untouched by the quickening pace of the modern world, an island caught within a moment and the moment within which she’s captured you ask? The old Caribbean that is safe, friendly and charming with exquisite natural beauty both above and below her waterline. Traveling to Saba from her neighbor St. Maarten is just the beginning of your adventure. The 12 thrilling. Touching down at Juancho E. Yrausquin airport will be a landing that will forever be remembered and frequently recounted.
If you’re a seafarer at heart, sailing to Saba is an opportunity not to be missed. As she looms ever closer upon the horizon you’ll be distracted from her silhouette by nature, keen eyes will be rewarded by the
villas and cottages will satisfy the needs of any traveler. Dutch Caribbean Saba is known as the “Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean.” tic bars and restaurants will infuse your
nightlife after you’ve hiked a mountain
voyager may even spy a breaching whale. rainforest trail, dove a world-acclaimed
dive site or just lazed by a pool with a
Your choice of accommodation is varied and the island’s handful of hotels, lodges, good book.
Montserrat
Welcome to the Emerald Isle
It’s easy to fall into the pace of island life. Before you leave her shores you will have You’ll receive a warm welcome from the experienced the true beauty and compeople of Saba, people who have not munity of Saba, made new friends and, - like many others before you, a return visit
ing, which makes wandering through a charming Saban village all the more enjoyable. Idyllic gingerbread houses and well-kept gardens resonates the pride the people of Saba feel for their island.
will be the only thing on your mind.
So if you have a yearning for a different vacation, consider nothing less than Saba. Issue 32|June 2014 Issue 31|May 2014 1915
WhERE To STAY queen’s Garden Resort - A Hampshire Classic: “The most relaxing hideaway of the Caribbean.” A small luxury resort tucked away on the beautiful island of Saba. Our exclusive property also presents the reality of the destination, with ing the traditions of Saba. haiku house - The Haiku House is a private hilltop villa based on a 16th Century Japanese Villa. It is the ideal luxurious mountain hideaway with private pool and jacuzzi. Privacy is the keyword for this retreat. The Haiku House features three bedrooms with each a separate bathroom. Spyglass Villa - Spyglass is a private villa located on the point at Boobyhill but within an easy stroll into Windwardside shops, restaurants and activities. This villa is a true haven of tranquility and beauty. Spyglass boasts a walkout panoramic veranda and large lower sun deck and patio with extraordinary views of the surrounding islands, Caribbean Sea and Saba. Lily Pond Cottage - Lily Pond Cottage is a traditional Saban Cottage placed amongst tropical gardens and surrounded by lily ponds and a water fall, which you can enjoy while sitting on a private gazebo “hovering” over the gardens.
Issue 32|June 2014 21
! one of the things associated with the month of June is the June Bride. What started as a Roman tradition is still popular today with June being the most popular month for weddings. In continuing that tradition, we couldn’t resist presenting you with some variations of the June Bride.
Photographer: Marc Evans (MarcEvansImages.com) Stylists: Arlene L. Martin & Angelie Martin-Spencer. Most accessories created for the photoshoot by drennaLUNA Make-up: Angelie Martin-Spencer Clothing: drennaLUNA (drennaLUNA.com) Models: Kaci Fennell, Kadyan Salmon and Fiona Davis
Issue 32|June 2014 23
Some girls want the train and fancy fabric, but not too much fuss. This dress pairs the fancy fabric with a simple silhouette. Playing on the feathered texture of the dress, we created a feathered fascinator to complete her look.
Issue 32|June 2014 25
There is simply no way we could resist. Issue 32|June 2014 27
Too mature for th neckline, keyhole such trend, she re her age and classic style with an off-wh dress. This classic, sim is accented with a s hair accessory and Her makeup is class
he sweetheart backs, or any emains true to c, sophisticated hite satin coat mple silhouette simple jewelled d jewelled belt. sic 1950’s, lined Issue 32|June 2014 29
Not every bride likes the traditions associated with weddings - the dress, the ceremony, etc. This bride just wants to keep things simple. However her idea of simple is not a dress that is a ball gown, mermaid, drop-waist, trumpet, What she’ll do is compromise on the fabric, white lace added with the expression “something old, something new, something this case her something old and something borrowed is the broach used to secure her birdcage veil in place, a family heirloom. It dresses up her something blue, as she elects to wear a blue veil and blue shoes. For her make-up, our non-traditional bride sports a striking blue smoky eye, paired with plum lips.
Issue 32|June 2014 31
With youth on her side, she’ll go with traditions and trends, hence this the look fresh and modern with a birdcage veil.
Issue 32
www.bartenura.com /bartenurablue @bartenurablue
ST THOMAS CARNIVAL: JUST LIKE MY FIRST TIME
As we continue our “Carnival Run” through the 2014 International Carnival calendar, I found myself leaving Bacchanal Jamaica and headed straight for St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. After dusting off any remaining traces of powder and a quick layover in Miami, in no time I was in St. Thomas checking out “The Biggest Fete Ever Seen, Carnival 2014”.
By Jo Wheeler @ReggaeSoulMusic Photos by USVI Tourist Board
carnivals in Trinidad, Jamaica, or New York, but it’s a good thing because the pace allows you to appreciate the music and the pride of the culture. The beauty of St. Thomas’ carnival is the purity of it.
experience. It isn’t blown out of proportion by the carnival organizers trying to match what other carnivals are doing. It isn’t Upon my arrival and easy-peasy transport convoluted with a bunch of over-priced to my Hotel, it was immediately clear that fetes, with too many artists rushing through moving around the island would be hassle free. Private taxis are plentiful and fairly gimmicks, bells, and whistles attempting priced, but the Safari Taxis were the true to fool patrons into believing the event is gem. The open-air, covered top, jeep-like more than it actually is. trucks provided a great driving tour of the island while getting around plus they only The carnival village was an outdoor car lot cost one dollar! However as luck would have it, my hotel was only a few blocks stage and lined with food and drink booths. away from Carnival Village. The other side contained an amusement park with rides and games for children. Now of the festivities, I’d have to give St. Seeing both the Caribbean carnival culture Thomas Carnival the prize for the “Most and the US carnival format together was a Heart Warming” because it brought back fond memories of early carnival times US and V.I. combination of entertainment and before things got so over the top. for adults and children. Kids could play
freely on their side while parents let loose on theirs, jamming to famed Soca artists like Shurwayne Winchester, Krossfyah, Destra Garica and Kes The Band. Even the Mighty Sparrow touched ground and who wouldn’t smile at that? By the way, the village is absolutely free of charge and rocked until 3am nightly. In other locales, one could have easily spent hundreds of dollars a day to do Now J’ouvert was the best. And I’m not just saying that because I am a J’ouvert gal. But, it really was a good time. It too was reminiscent of the days of old. There battling of DJ trucks blasting incoherent tunes, nothing. It was straight and to the point. Go down the road, turn right and wine yuh waist. Done! Well here is my experience wrapped in one song. Think Destra’s song “First Time.”
Well, that’s what St. Thomas carnival has to offer. Now, as for the island having the second in the Caribbean, I can’t say I saw any evidence of that, but St. Thomas
And for that, it’s well worth the trip.
Issue 32|June 2014 37
THE PLACE TO STAY
S PA N I S H CO U R T H OT E L 926.0000 1 St. Lucia Avenue, Kingston 5, Jamaica www.spanishcourthotel.com
FoCuSED oN | Reading
TRIPLE THE FOCUS’
Summer Reading List
Let us transport you from the routine of your daily regiment with these thought provoking books that are this summer’ must reads. We guarantee that you will want to read them over and over again. And why, you ask? Well in the words of Oscar Wilde, “If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no The Warmth of other Suns: The Boy, Snow, Bird: A Novel Epic Story of America’s Great by helen oyeyemi Migration As seen on the cover of the by Isabel Wilkerson
In this epic, beautifully written masterwork, Pulitzer Prize– winning author Isabel Wilkerson chronicles one of the great untold stories of American history: the decadeslong migration of black citizens for northern and western cities, in search of a better life. National Book Critics Circle Award Winner, Lynton History Prize Winner, Heartland Award Winner, Dayton Literary Peace Prize Finalist NAMED ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF
New York Times Book Review, where it was described as “gloriously unsettling… evoking Toni Morrison, Haruki Murakami, Angela Carter, Edgar Allan Poe, Gabriel García Márquez, Chris Abani and even Emily Dickinson,” and already one of the year’s most widely acclaimed novels: “Helen Oyeyemi has fully transformed from a literary prodigy into a powerful, (Grade: A) “I don’t care what the magic mirror says; Oyeyemi is the cleverest in the land daring and unnerving… Under Oyeyemi’s spell, the fairy-tale conceit makes a brilliant setting in which to explore the alchemy of racism, the weird ways in which identity can be transmuted in an beauty to beast Ron Charles, The Washington Post From the prizewinning author of Mr. Fox, the Snow White fairy tale brilliantly recast as a story of family secrets, race, beauty, and vanity. Issue 32|June 2014 39
The Space Between us
by Thrity umrigar Poignant, evocative, and unforgettable, The Space Between Us is an intimate portrait of a distant yet familiar world. Set in modernday India, it is the story of two compelling and achingly real women: Sera Dubash, an upper-middle-class Parsi housewife whose opulent surroundings hide the shame and disappointment of her abusive marriage, and Bhima, a stoic illiterate hardened by a life of despair and loss, who has worked in the Dubash household for more than twenty years. A powerful and perceptive literary masterwork, author Thrity Umrigar’s extraordinary novel demonstrates how the lives of the rich and poor are intrinsically connected yet vastly removed from each other, and how the strong bonds of womanhood are eternally opposed by the divisions of class
Americanah
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The Social Animal by David Brooks
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER One of The New York Times’s Ten Ever affable, ever curious Best Books New York Times columnist of the Year, David Brooks (Bobos in w i n n e r Paradise) has been pursuing of the study of human nature N a t i o n a l the for decades. The fruition of Book Critics this study, at least for the C i r c l e Award for present, is The Social Animal, F i c t i o n , an extraordinarily accessible winner of look at what we now know the 2013 about how the human mind N a t i o n a l works. As Brooks notes, recent Book Critics breakthrough brain research Circle Award for Fiction and has provided unprecedented one of the New York Times breakthroughs about the Book Review’s 10 Best Books human brain, especially about of 2013 its dominant unconscious An NPR “Great Reads” Book, function. To elucidate these a Chicago Tribune Best Book, discoveries, Brooks conjures a Washington Post Notable up Harold and Erica, a Book, a Seattle Times Best “composite couple” who Book, an Entertainment develop over time in ways Weekly Top Fiction Book, a that our ancestors could Newsday Top 10 Book, and a scarcely understand. A most Goodreads Best of the Year approachable approach to pick. root human nature. A powerful, tender story of race and identity by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the award-winning author of Half of a Yellow Sun. Ifemelu and Obinze are young and in love when they depart military-ruled Nigeria for the West. Beautiful, selfassured Ifemelu heads for America, where despite her academic success, she is forced to grapple with what it means to be black for the Obinze had hoped to join her, but with post-9/11 America closed to him, he instead plunges into a dangerous, undocumented life in London. Fifteen years later, they reunite in a newly democratic Nigeria, and reignite their passion—for each other and for their homeland.
FoCuSED oN | Beauty
5 Summer Beauty Trends
away but if you are anything like us, you the season’ hottest beauty trends.
Why
to try right now!
To Try Right Now By Christene Carr
Orange Lips
If you are scared of an orange lip, don’t be. With the right lip product and application technique, anyone can rock an orange lip. If you have fuller lips, a matte lipstick such as NYX Indie Flick is a great option. You can start with a light swipe and gradually build up to the intensity that best suites you. Estee Lauder Pure Color Vivid Shine Lipstick in Fireball provides luminous a long wear gloss instead? Armour Beauty opaque lipgloss in Lucy gives great coverage and wear that will last through any rainstorm. Color Secrets Electric Sapphire
Colored Mascara Cobalt blue or magnetic purple may not be the look for your way to get lashes popping. For a super intense colored lash, line the eyes with a pencil in the exact shade of your mascara. For just a hint of color, apply your regular mascara then use the colored mascara to add a bit of drama to the tips of your lashes. Color Secrets Amethyst Purple
The Side Braid It honestly wouldn’t be summer without braids. The key to this season’ side braid is to add some texture to the hair and keep it lose. Spray Oribe Dry texturizing spray on loosely curly hair, sweep it to the side and throw in a braid. If the braid is too tight gently pull on pieces to separate.
Graphic Liner
If you’re still only adding liner to your water line you’re missing a great style moment. Try a downward curved line on the inner eye and an upward curved line on the outer eye for something fun and different. Not that bold? Try colored cat eye. When wearing graphic liner, keep the rest of your makeup simple and let your eyes do the talking.
NARS Eyeliner Stylo
Coral Lips and Tips
The coral craze during summer months is nothing new. This summer, why not go matchy-matchy with coral lips and tips? Try YSL Rouge Volupte Shine #16 for the perfect coral pout and Morgan Taylor’s Color Me Bold on nails.
Issue 32|June 2014 43
FoCuSED oN | Music
FoCuSED oN | Finance
3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET OUT OF DEBT By Sarah Max (CNN Money)
Debt in America is as ubiquitous as baseball and apple pie. By most counts, the average U.S. household carries more than $5,000 in credit card debt. And it’s not just spendthrifts who get in over their heads. For many, unforeseen expenses or job loss are to blame. “When you don’t have an emergency fund, credit may be your only safety net,” says Barbara planner in San Mateo, Calif.
If your personal balance sheet is out of whack, for whatever reason, you have three options: “You can spend less, earn more, or do both,” says Gail Cunningham of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. That’s the gist of it, no doubt; but as anyone who’s ever tried to unravel the debt spiral knows, there’s a little more to it than that. Here’s how to get on track: Issue 32|June Issue 30|April2014 2014 45 27
STEP oNE: ASSESS ThE DAMAGE
receipts and plugging numbers into a spreadsheet -- or with one of the many If you haven’t already, take stock of free programs available, such as Mint. exactly how much you owe, to whom com or Quicken. and at what rates. Many people with high levels of debt routinely shift the STEP ThREE: MAKE IT A TEAM burden from one place to the next, EFFoRT never taking a total tally. Rather than make an executive “It’s easy to convince yourself you decision about where to cut expenses, don’t have a debt problem if you don’t call a family meeting. “If it’s a joint effort face the numbers,” says Steinmetz. She you’ll have much greater results,” says recommends putting everything on the Cunningham. table, including credit cards, car loans, student loans and even the mortgage Everyone, including kids, should be -- though consumer debt should be involved with tracking the family spending and coming up with ideas for where to trim expenses. “Cutting back is almost always better than cutting out,” Then, do three critical calculations: she adds. “I could work out a beautiful How much do you owe on your credit budget not worth paper the printed it’s on if you can’t stick with it.” cards and other consumer loans? How much do you spend each year You needn’t necessarily tell your kids on interest? How much of your monthly salary every detail of why or how much you owe, but they should understand why goes toward that debt? you need to make changes and what STEP TWo: GET To ThE RooT oF that entails.
ThE PRoBLEM
Before you transfer your high-interest debt (again) or start thinking about tapping your retirement savings “just this once,” be honest about what circumstances or habits got you to this place. place but avoid probing the root of the problem,” says Cunningham. Don’t have the faintest idea where it all went? That may be the most worrisome, says Steinmetz. If you haven’t already, start tracking your spending -- both to understand your weak spots and identify areas where you can cut back. You can do this the old-fashioned way -- by saving
“There is nothing wrong with sitting down afford it,” says Steinmetz. Don’t think of it as depriving your kids, she says, but “teaching them the difference between needs and wants.”F
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF BUNJI GARLIN & FAYANN LYONS! By Jo Wheeler
May was a great month for Bunji Garlin, FayAnn Lyons & the Asylum Family, as ‘Differentology’ continues to push them to new heights. First Bunji and FayAnn appeared on BET’s 106 & Park performing the mega hit. Then it was announced that FayAnn signed her own deal with VP Records, joining her husband and partner on the legendary Caribbean music label. The rumor mill says FayAnn will be working with Grammy winning song writer, Brooklyn’s own Angela Hunte on one word: “Fyah” Then the best news from the Viking camp came at the end of the month when Bunji announced that he signed an exclusive deal with RCA Records in conjunction with his existing VP Records deal. The two labels will join forces to promote “Differentology” - which they are already calling “Ready For The Road” for US mainstream radio play, placements on popular TV shows and use at major sporting events. And I stand corrected. The RCA deal may be the biggest news for the Viking family in May, but it’s actually not the best. That title would have to go to Bunji who proposed to his wife of 7 years asking her to renew their wedding vows. And of course she said yes! #LoveIsABeautifulThing.
Issue 29|March 47
Diversity is the Name of her Game! Meet Singing Siren
Abby dAllAs Issue 32|June 2014 51
FoCuSED oN | Music
through the church and dreaming of becoming a singer but for Abby it was more than a dream, it would be her destiny. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Abby Dallas grew up in Portmore. After High School she attended the prestigious Edna Manley College of Performing and Visual Arts, where she earned her diploma in music performance. Having the technical knowledge is one thing, putting it to work would be another but Abby was determined to pay her dues. Her tenacity and steadfastness paid off when she started doing sessions and backing vocals for accomplished talents such as Dean Fraser, Shaggy, queen Ifrika, Mavado and Yellowman, which eventually translated into touring the world with international artists Diana King and Tanya Stephens. Throughout her budding career, Abby Dallas has been recognized for her outstanding vocal talent by the JCDC (Jamaica Cultural Development Commission): Most Outstanding Soloist (2005), Best Female Pop Singer (2005) and Most Outstanding Junior Vocalist (2005). In 2013, she signed a deal with One Jam Music and proudly became their What sets you apart from other artists? My diversity. I am not only a singer in the traditional sense, but I have managed to create a sound that combines singing and deejaying. I am not only a singer of contemporary popular music, but I am also classically trained. I think this latter quality, combined with my connection to grassroots Jamaica, sets me apart from most females in the contemporary reggae/dancehall world. As a new artist, what has been the hardest obstacle? as a new artist is coming to grips with the reality that talent and hard work alone don’t guarantee one a successful career. There is so much more that goes into making a successful career: relationships with radio jocks, the media, industry players, fans and intense self-promotion, especially in the digital sphere. If you are not prepared to build those relationships
and promote yourself and your music at every opportunity, then your chance for success is limited. how was your song Real Born Jamaican chosen as Jamaica’s 46th Festival Song at National Arena in 2012 and did you write the song? The song was a creative process that began when I sat and meditated on the aesthetics of my country. I not only a memorable tune, I also wanted a song that would highlight everything that I believed to be beautiful about Jamaica and its culture. What is in the works for your career? I recently released three new singles --Extraordinary, Shallow Heart and From My Heart -- from my upcoming EP. I’m set to shoot the videos for a couple of these singles shortly.
ORACABESSA FESTIVAL Brings the Caribbean to New York By Natalie Bloom Photos by Ajamu Myrie
By Natalie Bloom and Kerry Ann Reid-Brown
on Memorial Day May 26th, Irie Jam Radio and Bobby Clarke Entertainment, staged the 1st annual oracabessa Festival at Roy Wilkins Park, in queens, NY. Dubbed “A Celebration of Caribbean Culture,” the festival saw over 15,000 attendees.
some of the best the culture had to offer. Activities included a domino championship and Ludo playoffs. Hundreds of food vendors lined the park offering a wide variety of traditional Caribbean cuisine. While over at the business expo, there was
Gospel acts, new local talent and standup comedians. Another highlight of the festival was the Signature 78 Fashion Rave featuring designs of local Caribbean designers. By late afternoon the featured artists took the main stage. K’Coneil followed by RSNY kicked off the line up. Konshens came next and stepped the energy up even further. Assassin, aka Agent Sasco, tore up the stage, and surprised everyone with guest appearances during his set from Tifa and Bugle. Tessanne Chin, Jamaica’s sweetheart and season 5 winner of NBC’s “The Voice,” graced the festival for her
the different services. Even community organizations such as the local chapters of stellar performance that left the crowd several Jamaican alumni associations had wanting more. Beenie Man, a force to be reckoned with, closed the show. “The a presence at the festival. Doctor” prescribed a well-received dose The kids’ amusement area had plenty of nostalgia in the form of chart topping of options to keep children of all ages hits. entertained. There were several bounce abouts and gaming trailers where a long Syn Dawkins, of Irie Jam Media remarked, line of boys and some girls waited their turn “[Oracabessa] festival is the community to play the hottest games. Also available coming together to celebrate and were two 50” screens where girls in groups showcase our Caribbean culture in a of 4 showed their best moves playing the positive way.” popular game “Just Dance” . footprint on the path leading to longevity Oracbessa had two performance stages for years to come. I am looking forward to which featured the Braawta Folk Singers, starting the summer in NY each year this way. Issue 32 |June 2014 55
Summer Style
One Piece Sophistication By Camesha Powell
This summer more coverage is grabbing our attention. No longer considered bland, continues to break design boundaries and is now a coveted addition of contemporary style and sophistication. For those who crave more coverage while sculpting piece for every body type and size. Here are some of my trend worthy picks that is sure to make an impression. River Island $59
Topshop $72
Araks $445
Lisa Marie Fernandez $705
Mara Hoffman $395
BamBam $49
Miss Selfridges $44
Moeva $496
Topshop $50
Zimmermann $375
Summer Style
High Waisted Glamour The high-waisted suit is stunning on a lot of different body types, whether you are a skinny Minnie and want to rock a trendy piece or you’re trying to cover up that troubled tummy area. It too provides coverage without substituting style and sex appeal. The 1950’s retro inspired design style comes in current trends of instantly adds an element of vintage glamour to your beach style. Chromat $194
Unif $141
Topshop $57
Topshop $57
Shakuhachi $171
Mara Hoffman $264
Topshop $68
Adriana Degreas $235
Adriana Degreas $235
Lisa Marie Fernandez $459
Issue 33|June 2014 59
everything you need to Know About sugar PART 2 of 2 By Lindsey Emery (Shape.com)
E
xperts answered all of your questions What Is the Difference Between high-Fructose Corn Syrup (hFCS) and Regular Sugar? Is sweeteners, and every other type of hFCS Really That Bad? Table sugar—a.k.a. sugar so you can live a sweet and sucrose—is composed of 50 percent fructose healthy life. and 50 percent glucose. HFCS is derived from corn and also contains fructose and We’re inundated with sugar everywhere glucose; sometimes it has more fructose than we turn—both in the news, telling us to cut sugar does and sometimes it has less, Richard back on how much we at, and in so many Johnson says. “High-fructose corn syrup is at of the foods and drinks we consume daily. its worst in soft drinks, when it’s composed of And this sugar paradox certainly isn’t sweet, close to 55 to 65 percent fructose,” he adds. as it leaves us uncertain about how to satisfy “However, in other products like bread, it actually contains less fructose than table are safe, and what the heck you can actually sugar does.” eat. Instead of tossing in the towel on healthy living—or, worse, turning to cookies to relieve your stress—straighten out the facts about in HFCS, as it is a higher dose of fructose than all types of sugar so you can treat your body most other types. And the introduction of (and your sweet tooth) right. high-fructose corn syrup coincides with the increasing rate of obesity, Richard Johnson Is It Better to use honey, Maple Syrup, and adds. other “Natural” Sweeteners Rather Than Regular Sugar? No. “They are all simple sugars that contribute to excess calories, Sweeteners Like Aspartame, Sucralose, and and your body reacts to them in the same Saccharin? “I think the verdict is still out on all way,” McManus says. “Whatever the form, of these substitutes,” McManus says. The FDA each is very easily digested and absorbed considers aspartame (marketed under the into your blood stream, and when done in names Equal, Nutrasweet, and Sugar Twin), excess this can create an insulin resistance and potentially put you at risk for developing Low) to be “generally regarded as safe” or diabetes.” GRAS, and has established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for each. ADI is based on Issue 32|June 2014 61
FoCuSED oN | health your weight. For example, a 140-pound woman would need to consume about 18 cans of aspartame-sweetened diet soda or 9 packets of saccharin to exceed her ADI. “Moderation is key and I believe you should seek out foods that are naturally healthier, without added
may not serve as an ample substitute for sugar when it comes to satisfying cravings. While sugar triggers a reward response in your brain, boosting dopamine levels as energy is sweetened doesn’t increase dopamine at all, according to a recent Yale University School of Medicine study. What About “Natural” Zero-Calorie Sweeteners, Such as Stevia and Monk Fruit Extract (Nectresse)? “These are appealing to consumers because they are more natural than synthetic sweeteners, but they’re not McManus says. Just as sucrose is chemically extracted from sugar cane, stevia is extracted from the plant stevia rebaudiana. The Japanese have sweetened things with stevia for decades and South Americans have used stevia leaves for centuries, but the FDA only granted stevia GRAS status in 2008. This sweetener is about 300 times as sweet as sugar.
are broken down in the intestines and turned into gas, which often creates gastrointestinal discomfort.” Are There Any other Types of Sweeteners That I Should Avoid? Agave syrup, Giancoli says. Touted as low-glycemic, agave syrup may not have a lot of glucose, but it’s up to 90 percent fructose—way higher than even high-fructose corn syrup. So while it is considered natural since it is processed from “honey water” found in the blue agave plant, and it’s one and a half times sweeter than sugar so you should theoretically use less of it, you still need to be careful: Too much means too many calories and too much fructose—and all the health risks associated with that. What Are the Best Things to Eat When You Crave Something Sweet? Stick with nutrient-dense foods that are naturally sweetened such as fresh fruit or plain yogurt with berries, McManus says. And if you can’t pass up something with added sugar, make sure it is made with healthy carbs such as oats and whole grains instead of sugars. In a pinch, spice some plain oatmeal with cinnamon or nutmeg.
What Is the Best Way to Cut Back on Sugar? First examine your diet to identify your biggest sources of added sugars, McManus says. Read ingredients lists (look for these words), and try Monk fruit extract (marketed under the name to avoid products with a form of sugar listed Nectresse) comes from a gourd that’s native to southern China and northern Thailand. Its nutrition facts as well, comparing anything that sweetness comes not from natural sugars but is sweetened (such as yogurt or oatmeal) to its an antioxidant called mogroside, which is 200 plain counterpart to distinguish added sugars to 500 times as sweet as sugar. Although little from naturally occurring ones. research has been done on it, monk fruit extract seems to be safe and has been considered Once you know your sweet spots, start to GRAS since 2009. cut back, focusing on your worst offenders What Are Sugar Alcohols? Sugar alcohols are extracted from fruit and vegetables where they naturally occur, and also can be manufactured from other carbs such as fructose and dextrose. These reduced-calorie sweeteners often have names ending in “-ol” such as sorbitol, xylitol, and mannitol, and are commonly found in gum, candy, and lowcarb nutrition bars. Considered GRAS by the FDA, they are known to case bloating and other digestive problems for some people, Giancoli says. “Unlike sugar, these alcohols
the biggest source of added sugars in the American diet, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—substitute in diet soda and seltzer water with lime, aiming you want to kick your sugar habit, you need sweetened products, you’ll continue to crave sweetness,” Schmidt says. “These sweeteners are like using a nicotine patch to quit smoking— good for transitioning, but not for the long term.”
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