All Things Pin

Travel: The Bahamas, Nassau

I have been going to the Bahamas for years. I love the culture and the island, from its beautiful beaches to the colorful carnivals. And last but certainly NOT least the conch. Yummy!

When considering to visit the Bahamas and planning on doing independent touring (not relying on a company tour guide), do not rely on public transport. Rent a car, I like using Budget.

Now when considering an affordable hotel or resort with a lot of amenities, check out Sandy Port Beaches Resort and Hotel.

Entry Way to Hotel

Lobby Lounge

Inside the Lobby Lounge

The Beautiful Pond

Honestly, this was the first time I have been there and I must say that I enjoyed it. The staff was friendly, helpful and had a wick sense of humor.

Sand Dollar Villa

The View from my room

I stayed in the Sand Dollar Villa and the view from my room was amazing. It had a kitchen, dinner room, living room, balcony and bed bath room. I loved siting on the balcony in the morning with a cup of coffee or in the evenings with a cup of tea.

Overall I give this hotel a 3.5 out of 5. I honestly didn't really fancy the room layout but with that view....who could complain.

Now if you are looking for a delicious breakfast I highly recommend The Negril Café. Sure it's not a Bahamian restaurant, it's Jamaican but the food is to die for! I must say I was so impressed that I had to go meet the two wonderful chefs (they didn't want to be on camera :-).

Inside the restaurant (Carmichael location)

I went to the Carmichael's location and the staff was super friendly and the restrooms were clean. We enjoyed the food so much that we had not only breakfast but lunch and dinner there too.

The Bamboo Shack

If you are looking for a quick lunch, try the island fast food joint, Bamboo Shack. This fast food joint serves their food 'chicken in a bag' style with a warm smile. The only thing I was disappointed in was the fact that they didn't make Conch burgers anymore, I was so looking forward to that.

Conch Snack

Anyways I ended up ordering the conch snack and it was delicious, served with fried conch, fries and coconut bread. And I know it isn't the healthiest thing in the world but I was on vacation!

Blue Sails

The blue sail restaurant was walking distant from our hotel so we decision to go check it out and I'm glad we did. For $10 a pop they make a bad ass Mango Mojito, seriously! For my entire trip I partially lived there for that. The food was delicious, props to the chef!

Mango Mojito

Blue Sails Mojito

Mushroom Burger with Canadian Bacon

The ambience was amazingly relaxing because it was right off the beach front and staff was super friendly and helpful.

One of Nassau's hot spots for hang out is the Fish Fry in downtown. I love going there to get my fresh conch salad. It's right on the beach with a lot of restaurants you can choose from.

Fish Fry

Conch Salad

Now if you would your hair to be on fleek while your on vocation without paying an arm and a leg definitely check out True Beauty Hair and Nail Salon at East Street South. Ann-Kay, the professional hair stylist, will turn you from drag to fab in no time.

Disclaimer: This is a non-sponsored post and all the reviews are purely the author's opinions and is in no way influenced by any of the parties mentioned above.

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, by Jessica Fairweather

Recipes

Workout Snacks Ideas

Hummus Dip with Pita Chips
Oatmeal with fresh fruits
Granola, berries and low-fat yogurt
Fruit Smoothie
Apple Chips with Cinnamon
Organic Popcorn
Flavored Greek Yogurt
Rice cakes with almond butter and honey
Dried Fruits
Skim Latte

Post-Workout Snacks (High Protein)

Chocolate Protein Pudding
Hard Boiled Egg and Dried Fruits
Chocolate Milk
Rice cakes with cottage cheese and tomato slices
Pistachio and a fruit
Protein Bar
Protein Smoothie
Plain Greek Yogurt with honey and berries Popsicle
Greek Yogurt with peanut butter and berries
Roasted Chick Peas

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, by Jessica Fairweather

Hair and Beauty

Face Care Tips

There are five skin type that you should be aware of. These are:

- Normal

Normal type skin is generally smooth and clean looking. It only needs a light face cleanser and a light moisturizer.

- Oily

Oily type skin is shiny or greasy. Only use oil-free products.

- Dry

Dry type skin is tight and flaky. It needs a 24 hour moisturizer.

-Sensitive

Sensitive type skin is red, itchy, dry and it burns. Use a moisturizer with UVA protection and a sensitive face cleanser.

- Combination

Combination type skin is oily in some areas and dry in others. Treat each area separately and use a mild oil-free cleanser.

There are a few basic face care routine you must follow. The following are:

1. Using a face cleanser daily will help to remove dirt, gems, oils and other pollutant thus preventing your pores from getting clogged. Make sure to wash your face twice per day with cold or warm water. Use a cleanser that leaves no residue and gently pat dry. Do not use alcohol based products, or body soaps.

2. Using an exfoliant twice per week will help remove any dead cells and help to lighten acne scars thus giving your skin a fresh look and feel. When applying, wet face with warm water then rub on the exfoliant in a circular motion for 30 seconds. Exfoliating too often will remove your skins natural protection thus causing skin irritation and redness.

3. Using a toner after washing your face will help to tight your pores and reduce oiliness thus leaving your skin feeling fresh and bright. When applying a toner, make sure than your face is dried off.

4. Using a moisturizer twice per day after using a toner will help retain the moisture in your skin thus making your skin look healthy and smooth and also help prevent wrinkles and lines in your face. When applying a moisturizer make sure your face is damp.

Tips and Tricks your must follow are:

Always wear sunscreen
Don't wash your face with too cold or hot water.
Always use products that are both oil-free and alcohol-free.
Don't squeeze, pick or pop pimples.
Always stay hydrated
Don't use harsh products like body soap on your face
Make sure you get enough exercise
Don't scrub your face too hard when drying or washing.

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, by Jessica Fairweather

All Things Kids and Babies

Diaper Bag Essentials: 1 to 3 years

Knowing that you are watching your little ones grow up into beautiful beings, you must pack extra stuff for them so that you will always be prepared.

When going anywhere, you need the must basic of things to toll around with.

Essentials Needed:

1. Diapers and Under-wears: Have at least 4 of each, depending on how long you are planning to stay out you might need more.

2. Wipes: Wet baby wipes.

3. Changing Pad: If you are changing in a public changing area, you will need this (optional).

4. Baby Powder: To powder your baby's bum.

5. Sanitizing and wet wipes: Both for sanitizing your toddlers hands and surfaces and to wipe their tush.

6. Lotion and hand sanitizer: For the mom/dad and the toddler.

7. Extra Outfits for the baby: Never know when your baby will have an "accident".

8. Sippy Cup: Both with water and a juice, drink formula or milk for when they get thirsty or hungry.

9. Burp-Rag and Rag: Just because you never used it before doesn't you should omit this. Toddlers can be unpredictable in their action.

10. Bottle of Water: Either for you to drink or in case of emergency where you have no water, you can use it.

11. Pacifier: Great for a public silence time. Always bring at least 3 in-case one falls.

12. Healthy Snack For Toddlers: Bring at least 3 different snacks for your picky eaters such as fruits, nuts, sugar-free gums, dried fruits, healthy chips, etc.

13. Books and Crayons: this is not only to entertain your little ones but to start developing their minds. Pack at least 2 of their favorites. Also pack their favorite coloring book.

14. Toys: this is for their entertainment, so bring along their favorite ones. Pack at least 2-3.

Read the previous posts Diaper Bag Essentials: 0-6 Months and Diaper Bag Essentials: 6 and 12 Months

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, by Jessica Fairweather

mother's day

How to throw a Mother's Day Dinner Party

Being a mother is one of the hardest but enjoyable jobs there is. You being a mother simply means you are selfless, you are everyone's shoulder to cry on, the one who has the answers to all life's problems and who will love no matter what.

This post is dedicated to all mothers.

1. Planning

When planning your mother's day dinner party, you must figure out the time and location. Knowing when you are going to have the party with determine if it is formal or informal or if it is breakfast, bunch, lunch or dinner. Figuring out where you are planning on have your party will give you an idea on if you want to add a venture cost on the budget or not.

Planning your guest list is very important in knowing who you want at your party, how much you are catering for, the budget for the food and drinks, the space you need and an estimate time you need to prepare for the party. Keep in mind that the idea of a dinner party is intimacy so your guest list should be about 8-12 persons.

2. Invitations (optional)

Depending on who you plan you are inviting to the dinner party will determine whether or not you want to do invitations. You can go virtual invitations or sent it through the mail.

3. Table Setting

The table setting is essential in showing your guest the theme of the party. This is your canvas so be creative and try something unique and fun and decorate with your mom's style in mind.

When doing your centerpiece make sure that it is low enough for your guest to communication freely across the table.

Set your table early in the day so that you will not rush decorating and setting up before your guest arrives. Keep in mind that you don't have to have matching settings, mix-and-match dishes can be cute, chic, creative and collective.

TheClassyWoman.Net

For more table setting ideas, click here.

4. Seating Assignments (optional)

Seating assignments can help in making the conversations at the party flow more natural by pairing persons together with the same interests, good to start family gossip dramas and playing a bit of match making.

Michael.Com

Assigning seats can give you the opportunity to do some DIY with the placement cards and give your table setting a more fancy and chic look to it.

5. Menu Plan

The type of food and drinks you serve at your party will determine the type pf party it is, whether it is formal, informal or semi-formal or if it is a bunch, lunch or dinner party.

Make sure that you ask your guest ahead of time if they have any dietary restrictions and food allergies. Make food that you are comfortable with and don't stress about trying something new. You don't have to make a five course meal but you can make a simple two or three course meal that is delicious. Keep in mind that it is your mother's day, so try to prepare food that she will enjoy.

Keep sure that you have the option of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for your guest.

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