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Give the Gift of Fashion – De Coteau Designs for Christmas

Posted on December 18, 2015by admin

(Carnival Monday Wear Photo Credit: De Coteau Designs)

1.Who is the designer behind the brand?

My Name is Tiffeny De Coteau, founder of De Coteau Designs. I am an Engineering student at UTT. I am studying Manufacturing and Design Engineering. I really do enjoy designing anything basically so that’s why I chose that field and to start my own business.

2. What’s an engineer doing in fashion?

I started De Coteau Designs without any official training I just bought a sewing machine a few years ago to sew clothing for myself. Eventually I gained confidence to sew for friends and tackle swimwear. I took some classes to learn pattern making and construction of swimsuits. I am still learning as everyday we learn something new.

3. Describe your products?

I do women’s wear including swimwear, Carnival Monday Wear and resort wear which are my main focuses right now.

4. What are your plans for the Carnival fashion scene?

This is my first year with the Monday Wear so I am still getting my name out there. I am designing swimwear for the carnival beach goers.

5. What are your plans for the future?

I have already started an Easter Collection and I am collaborating with a designer from Dominica too so stay tuned for that.

6. How can persons interested in your collection or wanting to collaborate contact you?

Anyone wishing to purchase can do so my DM on IG which is @ Decoteaudesigns or email decoteaudesigns@gmail.com

A note from our editor:

Season’s Greetings All,

I hope you enjoyed this article on Carnival Monday Wear. I just wanted you to know that Monday Wear is relatively new to our fashion landscape. The beauty and functionality in design of Monday Wear is the added bonus that one does not have to wait for Carnival to wear it. These statement pieces are perfect at adding that pop to a simple outfit whether it be a maxi or mini skirt even a pair of skinny jeans, ‘jeggings’ or shorts. If you want they can also work as a dual function outfit. You can cover it up with a blazer for a more chic daytime affair and let loose without the jacket for your night time rendezvous! It’s a “win win” situation as you can buy one piece and use it over and over again with so many different pairing options! So shop now and buy these local pieces for the yourself and the fabulous ‘femmes’ who would love the gift of fashion this Christmas!!!

xoxo

Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago

Blue Basin Stores – The Best Kept Christmas Secret

Posted on December 8, 2015by admin

Why?!

Parking: The Christmas season is always traffic crazy and there is limited parking. Some people are even guilty of “creating park spots”. At Blue Basin Stores this is the least of your worries as you have ample parking.

Location: Although nestled in Port of Spain, the Capital City of Trinidad this secret is best kept tucked away at in the Cruise Ship Complex at Port Authority at number one Dock Road. The energy and vibes from the visual merchandising at the store is but one factor that plays a part in the zen energy and vibes exuded from Blue Basin Stores. The other part well let’s say you just have to get acquainted with the aura of the store owner, Jessel Brizan so you can experience that yourself.

https://www.facebook.com/BlueBasin/app/251458316228/

(Facebook Shopping!)

Convenience: So you don’t want to leave your glass of wine, your laptop, smart phone and the bed because ‘baby it seems too cold outside?!’ No problem. Blue Basin is online too. You can shop through their facebook store, website or order by phone. There is even free delivery for persons in Trinidad.

http://www.bluebasin.co/

(Shop Online)

Ethics: If you want more value for your money then this is the store for you. Blue Basin Stores carry brands like Afrofunkk which includes designer collections which are made from custom and responsible textiles. The popular turtle warrior bracelets are also available. These are made from recycled glass from glass bottle debris recovered from local beaches. Often these beaches are habitats for the endangered leather back turtles.

Bundles of Joy: Tis the season Blue Basin Stores gives you sweet deals and gift cards. Get introduced to Blue Basin’s gift cards for the loved ones who you simply can’t decide on for gift giving. Also check out their Bundles of Joy Specials from December 1st 2015. There are some awesome deals in store so visit Blue Basin Stores while these stocks are available.

Build a Dream: At Blue Basin Stores, Jessel Brizan the owner and curator of the store has found a space for Trinbagonian and Caribbean designers who are all small business entrepreneurs and creatives with a dream for their brand and for this country. When you shop at Blue Basin Stores you are shopping local and supporting their dream. You are building up a small business entrepreneur and making their dream for the future come true.

Save the economy: Yes it has been confirmed that the country is in a recession but ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country. By shopping local you can help save the economy. You can help keep the economy afloat. The money that you spend is repatriated to the local not foreign economy.This means there is a chance for multiplier effect and others in the economy can benefit. There are more linkages and less leakages. You are inevitably diversifying the economy when you contribute by supporting local. Help diversify the country from an oil dependent industry to an economy that is well diversified with the resources and talent readily available to take it forward!

So this Christmas I wish you a very Blue Basin Christmas!!!

Gluten Free Ice Cream – Why Not?!

Posted on December 3, 2015by admin

Nana Ice Cream (serves 6-12)

Ingredients

6 ripe bananas

6 tablespoons of cacao powder

1 cup coconut milk

1 ice tray

1 dessert bullet maker

1 food processor

(I hand grated local cacao blocks and the smell of cacao infused with spices and the texture…oh so earthy and lovely!)

Method (10 – 20 mins )

Peel bananas and throw away the skins (or add to compost heap for your garden)
Chop the bananas
Add them to your food processor and process
Add in coconut milk and cacao powder and process
Fill the ice tray with the new mix
Freeze overnight
Thaw next morning (2-7 minutes)
Add to dessert bullet
Press
Serve

(Nana Ice cream)

( I am in love with my dessert bullet)

N.B.

This recipe is 100 % local!!! You can use almond milk or any milk of your choice instead of coconut milk. You can add other fruits and flavours to the mix. Basically, you can top your ice cream with as many toppings as you like for example shredded coconut or chocolate chips. If you do not have a dessert bullet you can make the mix and store it in a container in the freezer then thaw and scoop when you are ready for a bowl .

You can have a really huge bowl of this and not worry about weight gain. It’s also good for your health. This has a strong banana flavour so it can be an acquired taste for some, an adventure taste trip for others, a more appealing dessert and or an addition to the breakfast bar for my friends out there who suffer from celiac, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and other gluten intolerance (we feel your pain too!)

For my Darlings and Divas

suffering from gluten intolerance…

Let’s Fight this Together!!!!!

Press Release: Kaj Designs Employs A Bold Strategy To Penetrate The European Luxury Fashion Market

Posted on November 24, 2015by admin

Kaj Designs Employs A Bold Strategy To Penetrate The European Luxury Fashion Market

Premier Caribbean Mid-Luxury Fashion Brand Partners With Global Runway And Britain’s Destination Weddings And Honeymoons Abroad Magazine

The cover of the current November/December 2015 issue of Britain’s only specialist consumer magazine for the lucrative and growing wedding and honeymoons sector, Destination Weddings and Honeymoons Abroad (DWHA). Photo courtesy DWHA.

November 23, 2015 – Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago… With a steadfast focus to establish Kaj Designs as the Caribbean’s foremost mid-luxury fashion brand, the exclusive Trinidad and Tobago-based fashion house embarked on a bold strategy to penetrate the European market. This historic milestone introduced the brand to the thriving UK luxury fashion market via its distribution with the online boutique, Global Runway, coupled with an advertising campaign in Britain’s lavish specialist consumer magazine, Destinations Weddings and Honeymoons Abroad (DWHA). Over the past two months, Kaj further strengthened its market presence as DWHA’s exclusive international fashion brand and partner at two of London’s leading trade events, The National Wedding Show (TNWS) and the World Travel Market London (WTM London).

Kaj’s silk asymmetrical lounge with collar and pocket accents can be styled to transition from day to evening or from seaside to cocktail. Photo courtesy Kaj Designs.

These alliances with Global Runway as well as DWHA, have given Kaj access to the largest online luxury fashion market globally as well as Europe’s lucrative and growing wedding and honeymoons sector. “We have employed a two-pronged approach in market penetration in order to achieve success internationally. The opportunity to gain market share in two of our key target market segments hinges on making our brand accessible to the consumer while also elevating the profile of the brand via our marketing efforts. Our primary objective is to position Kaj as the Caribbean’s leader in luxury fashion. This initiative marks a critical one for us,” shared Kaj’s CEO, Liza Miller.

Kaj’s long sleeved evening dress in a dark olive and black jaguar print was captured behind the scenes of Global Runway’s promotional photo shoot in Verona, Italy. Photo courtesy Global Runway.

On location action in the streets of Verona, Italy during the shooting of Kaj’s long sleeved evening dress in a blue, grey and ivory miscellaneous safari print. Photo courtesy Global Runway.

Kaj’s full-page ad campaign was launched in the November/December 2015 issue of DWHA, which is currently available online at http://x2t.com/KajxDWHA and throughout the UK at leading newsagents and retailers including Harrods, Selfridges and at all London airports as well as in the USA, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Cape Town, Monaco, Paris, Germany, Singapore, Belgium, Switzerland, Ireland and New Zealand. This special issue of DWHA, which was published on September 24, 2015, was also distributed at TNWS from September 25 to 27, 2015 and at the recently concluded WTM London from November 2 to 5, 2015. As DWHA’s exclusive international fashion brand and partner, Kaj’s promotional material was distributed in DWHA’s gift bags at TNWS.

Members of the production crew apply finishing touches on location in New York City during Global Runway’s shooting of Kaj’s silk asymmetrical lounge with collar and pocket accents in a Kelly green, white and black abstract print. Photo courtesy Global Runway.

A model gets playful on location in New York City during Global Runway’s shooting of Kaj’s long sleeved evening dress in a taupe, cream and black abstract print. Photo courtesy Global Runway.

The timeless luxury of Kaj’s classic resort creations cater to the discerning taste of KajFABfemmes who are confident women that boldly declare their sense of style and sophisticated sensuality in any fora. KajFABfemmes may shop limited edition pieces and experience the exclusive versatility, fine quality and impeccable finish of the Kaj Resort collection via Global Runway at www.global-runway.com. Visit Kaj on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kajdesigns or on Twitter and Instagram @KajDesignsLIVE to stay in the KajFAB know. For more information email info@kajdesigns.net.

That’s a wrap! Global Runway’s model and production crew pose on set at the end of a promotional photo shoot in New York City. The model dons Kaj’s classic twill trousers in a burnt orange, brown and ivory miscellaneous safari print. Photo courtesy Global Runway.

-30-

For media inquiries, please contact:

Liza Miller, Managing Director
estuary PR Limited
Phone: (868) 367-5295
Email: liza@estuaryPR.com
www.estuaryPR.com

Are we the creative nexus for the Caribbean?

Posted on November 21, 2015by admin

The developing world is becoming vigilant of its tourism destination competitors. Countries are starting to develop incubators, policies and support framework to sculpt a creative city in their destination. They are developing a city that boasts of creativity in software, theater, art, music, fashion, craft, animation to name a few. Further amplifying this is the recognition of the need to support the institutions of creative industries by incentive and political initiatives that aid in the creatives’ advancement and development. Johannesburg in South Africa is one common example of a creative tourism destination. Artists are allotted discounted rental spaces and theater productions are allowed to showcase on the national scene as well. Similarly, the small developing island state of Trinidad and Tobago is not far behind.

Click the link below to see Creative South Africa (Video Credit: South Africa Tourism)

Trinidad and Tobago offers its individual aesthetic of cosmopolitan status and ingenuity to the world. There has been an upsurge in fashion events, graduate designers, local designer boutiques, art , craft markets and the bubbling of a passion for talent, skill and culture. It is a subconscious attempt by the people to generate our very own creative space and make a claim to stand out on that global creative domain. Several fraternities have added support for this creative revolution at the core of this nexus over the last decade in Trinidad and Tobago; Fashion Associations, Start Up competition events, Ted Ex Talks, business expos and forums like The Human Imagination at Work: Driving Competitiveness and Powering Innovation with distinguished panels from all walks of creativity. The establishment of the Creative Industries Company and projects like ICT’s innovation in mas which fosters healthy competition in the local masquerade sector also boost creative awakening of the nations’ creative industries. Nedco is also an avenue for helping start ups make their ‘dreams come true’. Trinidad and Tobago even hosted a plethora of international delegates to the VIII Americas Competitiveness Forum.

This is Creative Trinidad–> click the link below for the video ( Video Credit: Racked TT)

https://www.facebook.com/rackedtt/?sk=app_328004553917475

We are Crayons —> Click below for Video ( Video Credit: A Big Box of Crayons)

Yet, Trinidad and Tobago has yet to see that this vision of marrying tourism with creative industries is more than a blissful happily ever after. More often than not this development will be propelled for advanced forward movement as a destination since the creative sector has little to zero correlation to sameness and commodification of a destination’s resources. This means Trinidad and Tobago can have a promising future as the premier Caribbean destination or as a nexus for the Caribbean on the global creative map. A destination’s creative product on the global map means that this destination will not only be ‘fresh’ it will be in high demand by new tourists who will soon quench their thirst for more that just sun, sea and sand!

Curry Favor for Curry Flavour

Posted on November 21, 2015by admin

I can ascertain that persons who are ‘trinicentric’ and die hard fanatics of ‘trinibagonian’ culture can attest that they have experienced this thing called ‘curry favor for curry flavour’ at some point in their life (if not everyday). So I now share with you some history of our “curry culture” and this discourse on “curry favor” for curry flavour.

Curry has been a household spice used throughout Trinidad and Tobago for as long as I can remember (that’s almost three decades ugh I’m getting old ugh -_- so not enthused). The East Indian immigration via the Fatel Razack ship brought new ways of life to Trinidad such as cooking techniques, produce and recipes. When the immigrants arrived on May 30th 1845 there were many other ethnic groups on the island at that time and so fusion foods became inevitable. Many of their traditional Indian dishes were altered. The cuisine became part of the culture of Trinidad and Tobago. After indentureship many Indians sought to open shops and sell their culinary bounty of delicacies. Soon a fondness and demand for this type of food developed which were quickly matched with accessibility and affordability for this cuisine by all social classes that existed in the then society.

Today, there is still a strong demand for ‘Indo Trini’ cuisine as roti shops are almost never scarce on the island neither is there a shortage of customers. These shop owners have even gone the extra mile to do additional marketing and branding for their product. This is a sustainable business after all. Hosein’s Roti Shop is one example of such an owner. They have done radio, television and print advertising. They also own their own space on the internet. Their packaging is also branded for customer take away orders. Their shop is patronized everyday by almost everyone and on special occasions like this Divali 2015. This year they received such an overwhelming crowd of customers overflowing from their restaurant capacity.

Admittedly, I am not really a curry fanatic ( yeah my palate is kind of ‘unique’ ). Although, I must say every time their curried shrimp promo catches my undivided attention. Hosein’s Roti Shops are located in Tunapuna, Arima, San Juan and Port of Spain. It was pure luck that I was passing by their Tunapuna branch a few months ago when I saw their shop. I knew I had to return to relish in “the truth” behind this cuisine. It is worth mentioning that the shop was clean, the service was attentive and there was sufficient parking.

On stumbling into the shop (literally since my feet were tired in my wedge heels). There were dhal, rice and other vegetables but those were not on my agenda. They were out of curried shrimp (you can imagine my facial expression of dismay). That evening I inquired whether they would be doing more shrimp or not. I believe that’s when I realized I had “curry favor” for curry flavour. I expected that my curry favor for curry food would appease the “food gods”. It was the mere thought that my purchase for this type of food would bring me the blessings of bountiful and beautiful food adventures in the near future (albeit I am not supposed to neglect my diet). Moreover, the visuals from the television advertisement were indeed too challenging to let go from the bran positioned in my mind. The owner offered to cook some more shrimp just for me if I would wait. I think the “food gods” smiled in that moment and of course I waited in anticipation for my order to be filled.

My orders of one dozen of phoulouries with mango sauce and three portions of curried shrimp were filled very soon. Nonetheless, I was quite content with my pursuit for happiness (however short lived it may have been). They were phenomenal in taste and texture. My food adventures take me to so many undiscovered places, people and cuisines that I guarantee you they have all been worth it (whether the experiences were good or bad I would have either learned or shared a thing or two with them ).

http://www.hoseinsrotishop.com/menu.html

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hoseins-Roti-Shop/116980184998188

I am not the only one who can attest to “curry favor for curry flavour”. Foreigners, international celebrities and socialites who visit Trinidad and Tobago curse any missed opportunity to taste local cuisine. Those who have shared in curry delights have become immediate ‘aficionados/as’ of the cuisine. Recently, Mandy Moore international celebrity actress, singer and humanitarian visited Trinidad for some much anticipated human rights work. She enjoyed it so much that she shared the photo of her first taste of a curry dish from Shiann’s Roti Shop via social media. Mandy had her roti with slight pepper. She was also quoted saying, “I’m hooked.”

Mandy Moore enjoying a curry dish in Trinidad

(Photo Credit : PSI Caribbean)

Just two weeks ago Divali celebrations were in full swing and can you guess what was on the most coveted menu in almost every household and if not every then maybe your neighbour’s house?! This destination definitely has ‘curry favor for curry flavour.’

There are many more contributions that make this destination exotic and most tempting for the international as well as domestic tourists. The ability to indulge in this local Indo Trinidadian cuisine is definitely one of them and a gift to the people of Trinidad and Tobago worth celebrating everyday!

See here is the local tribute:

Click the link to see Nebula 868 (local group) and their ode to curry

in their Justin Bieber’s “Sorry- Parody”

Enjoy!!!

Baked Empanada (gluten free)

Posted on November 3, 2015by admin

Baked Empanada (gluten free)

(20 -24 empanadas)

4 green plantain
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sea salt

Method
1. Peel plantains
2. Use 3 plantains; chop them and boil for 45 minutes(big enough chunks to grate or small enough to process if you have a power food processor)
3. Allow to cool before you process or grate
4. The fourth uncooked plantain can be grated while you wait for the other 3 to cool
5. Strain off excess water in the cooked, cooled plantain
6. Grate or process it
7. Add salt and oil to the processed and cooled plantain
8. Mix in the fourth raw and grated plantain
9. Form a dough in the shape of a huge ball
10. Allow to rest for half hour
11. Find your fillings ( I used curried chip chip, flavoured tuna and cheese)
12. Pinch off a ball the size of your hand or smaller
13. Roll out dough into a round flat shape
14. Add about a teaspoon of filling (enough to allow the empanada to be sealed)
15. Fold the flat shape in half bringing the empanada to close
16. Seal the empanada with a fork
17. You can moisten your hands and dough with a little water throughout the process to make it workable
18. Pre-heat your oven
19. Grease your baking tray (I used olive oil)
20. Place the empanadas on the tray
21. Brush the tops of empanadas with olive oil
22. Bake for half hour or more on the lowest oven heat

N.B.

The change in colour will indicate when it is done as well as the texture. You do not want your empanada to break up with you so make sure it has a bit of a crispy but not arid texture. Also remember it does not need to overcook since the plantains were precooked. I suggest you use a dipping sauce for these empanadas. It can be your own mix of your favourite spicy or sweet sauce.

Gluten Free Fruit Cake

Posted on November 3, 2015by admin

Fruit Cake

1 ripe plantain
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp coconut sugar
1 tsp vanilla essence
2 cups fruits and nuts chopped
2-5 cups cherry brandy

Method

Blend plantain
Add oil and sugar
Add baking powder
Add fruits , brandy and nuts
Add vanilla essence
Puree (add more brandy and pulse if the mixture is too thick)
Grease baking tray
Add mixture
Bake on lowest heat for 45 mins to 1 hour
The texture will be soft but firm on the outside
A tooth pick can be used to test it but use your judgement

Mini Plantain Bundt Cakes

Posted on October 23, 2015by admin

Mini Plantain Bundt Cakes
Ingredients
1 yellow plantain (peeled)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 egg
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon coconut sugar
1 teaspoon almond essence

Method
1. Preheat oven to 375 Degrees Fahrenheit. (Lower temperature to 275 Degrees Fahrenheit after preheating)
2. Chop the peeled plantain
3. Add plantain to blender and pulse until the texture is smooth
4. Add other ingredients: olive oil, egg. Baking powder and almond essence
5. Again pulse the mixture until smooth.
6. Grease the mini bundt cake pan (make sure the parts in the middle are greased too.
7. Bake them for ten minutes
8. Remove the mini bundt cake pan from oven and allow to cool.
9. After cooling then remove the mini bundt cakes (try loosening the edges first)
10. Handle with care these are very delicate
11. After cooling plate them up and grate the local chocolate over them.
12. Serve

Garnish:
(2 blocks per 2 cakes) grated chocolate from a local chocolate bar (70% cocoa)

Serve the banana ice cream

(Using the banana ice cream recipe in the previous blog post)

Banana Coconut Ice Cream Cups (chocolate smothered)

Posted on October 19, 2015by admin

What you will need

3 cups chocolate chips
¼ cup olive oil
5 bananas
1/8 cup coconut milk
1 mini muffin tin
1 food processor (or blender)

Method

Peel the bananas
Chop bananas
Place them in a freezer bag
Store in freezer for 5 hours (a day or until frozen)
Place the frozen bananas in the processor
Add 1/8 cup of coconut milk
Process
Taste and add more coconut if you desire( or wish to adjust taste)
Put in freezer bag and store in freezer until ready to use
Melt 2 cups of chocolate chips in microwave ( you can add olive oil to thin out the chocolate) or use a double boiler
Monitor to make sure it does not burn
Separate evenly in two bowls
Using one bowl of liquid chocolate coat the mini muffin tin
The insides of the mini muffin tin cup should be well coated
Take the frozen banana coconut ice cream out of the freezer ( you can process it if it is too solid to use)
Add the mix to each cup in the tin
Cover the mix by topping it with the second batch of liquid chocolate
Cover the surface of the entire tin with foil or plastic wrap and store in freezer for five hours or a day or until frozen
Using a knife or flat tipped steel skewer loosen the edges around the cup
Scoop the cups out and plate them

N.B.

Remember they may thaw if left out for too long so make sure you serve them to guests who eat them immediately. Another thing you can do is to pop it back into the freezer until you are ready to serve again.