Showing posts with label Trinidad. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trinidad. Show all posts
In my blog post about PCOS, I wrote about weight loss, and how I incorporated exercise into my lifestyle.

Today I want to go a little bit deeper and let you in on my secret. My favorite routines, programmes, and fitness enthusiasts.

I have stopped being an avid gym buff- mainly because I need to become more disciplined and get my ass into the gym. These days I work out at home and outdoors.

While I started off with Focus T25, I soon turned to alternatives, such as Insanity Max (currently in my second month!) and any sort of cross-fit, dancing, aerobics and dancing. I work out alone on a regular basis, so I need to constantly change my routine so that I stay motivated and do not get bored!
I also have recently started wearing brighter workout clothes as a way of staying motivated and I usually blast my favorite playlist from Deezer. You know you have done a routine like crazy when you can mute the video and play motivational music!

 My  CrossFit Go-To right now:

 Fitzala’s CrossFit workouts at home- I love this article because the routines are super easy to do and you can do them anywhere!

If you are looking for a great start-up routine, Check out Simply Sadie Jane’s Crossfit Series!

 Cardio Go-To to mix things up when I am bored:

 Estelle Archer’s Zumba Video-   Ole Ola
Keira LaShea- Burn to the Beat Dance Intervals: African Cardio Dance Workout-

 Favourite Ab Workout of Life!!

 Tiffany Rothe- 10 Minute Booty Shaking  Waist Workout- Lose inches off your waist ( TESTIFY! IT WORKS) I loved this video so much I shared it all of my girlfriends.  I will never forget the first time I did it, I woke up the following morning sore! Did I mention it works!!!

Also, good old Russian Twists are everything!

Outdoors:

Keeping it fun can be challenging without a workout buddy. But when I have one I love to do Lady Chancellor Hill. It's a two-mile uphill trek, that many times seems null. The reward aside from having completed the hill is the stunning vista of the country's capital Port of Spain. My favorite time to go is early morning before the heat kicks into high gear and of course, we always throw in a few selfies!

I also try to throw in an outdoor jog whenever I can, one of my favorite places to do this is the Queens Park Savannah (which we proudly boast is the biggest in the world).  Plug in some good music and/or company and just go!

Keeping it fun can always be a challenge, many times I stand up and say loudly "I don't want to do this" but then I buckle down and get it done, half-hearted sometimes- but at least it is done!

How do you keep active and stop your workouts from becoming boring? Let me know!

Like what you have read! Subscribe so you can be up to date with all the latest posts! Keep an eye out for my favorite work out tunes.

Have a great week!





byNL
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October 29, 2017

Favourite Alternate Exercises: Spicing It Up as a Solo workout Girl

In my blog post about PCOS , I wrote about weight loss, and how I incorporated exercise into my lifestyle. Today I want to go a little bi...
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For those of you who don't know. I currently live in Trinidad and Tobago. I came to live here when I was six years old.

The first major experience I had, was 'playing mas', or as it is better known Carnival.

Trinidad carnival, I think, is still one of the best-kept secrets in the world. If you have Caribbean heritage or Caribbean friends you may know about it.

But you don't REALLY  know about it until you touch down and the whole place shell down.That is, you come here, fete (party) non-stop (this is to be taken literally), collect your costume and come Monday morning you hit the road.

With the recent media coverage of Caribbean carnivals, many people have negative remarks and comments about our behaviour. The gyrating ,  the bumping and grinding. But fail to recognise the most important thing, it is your option as to how you conduct yourself.

Just to be clear-  there is no more euphoric feeling than stepping out on that road and hearing the bass of soca music pulsating through the country's capital. Pulsating is no joke, shop windows vibrate, the vibration rises from the earth through our feet into our waists as we wine high and low to the music.

Big Bad Soca- Bunji Garlin



This post is short and sweet just like our carnival season!  Carnival is never long enough!!! Then we have to wait a whole year till the next time we can participate in the GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH!

Though there is no better experience than chipping and wining on the road Carnival Monday and Tuesday, if you can't stay that's okay.

Fete to your heart's content in the weeks leading up to it.


Not convinced about hitting the road? Take in one of my favourite fetes!Soca Brainwash.... 






Here's a taste of some of the costumes, just a teaser!




Counting down to Carnival!
T-113 DAYS!!

Interested? Don't be a stranger! Message me!


The world needs more love!
byNL
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October 20, 2017

Carnival- The True Festival of Love

For those of you who don't know. I currently live in Trinidad and Tobago. I came to live here when I was six years old. The first ...
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I hated primary school. 

They say be careful what you wish for. 

My family lost everything.

I did not go to school for roughly a year.

I stayed home every day.

Watched everyone go to school.

All of a sudden being unhappy at school did not compare to just not being there.

Our electricity was cut.

We had no food.

Bailiffs took little of what we had left.

I hid what I thought was valuable when I heard them coming.

I hid my dog.

But today, when people see me.

They judge.

They don't know.   


What I lived.

I lived in fear of judgment.

Until I realised I was being judged.

Their judgments.............

They insulted my life and my experiences.

You have no idea.

Do not judge a book by its cover.

Till today I have never let anyone open me.

But why not, since they have made their own assumptions, but never walked in my shoes.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Walk in faith, believe in yourself and understand. Those who judge are blinded by their own thoughts.



byNL
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September 30, 2017

A Journey of Little Footsteps: What You Never Saw

I hated primary school.  They say be careful what you wish for.  My family lost everything. I did not go to school for...
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In one job, I was lucky enough to make some lifelong friends, and learn some tips and tricks to survive corporate life!

My favorite was and still is THEME DAYS!

Theme days basically kept me slightly sane and managed to keep my anxiety somewhat at bay.


So if your office makes you feel like you are on the verge of breaking down and there is no way you can leave (YES I fully endorse leaving careers/ jobs that are detrimental to your mental health- once you are able to support yourself of course) This is for you.

It is very simple- all you need is YouTube on your desktop/phone or any music app for that matter. Choose what you're in the mood for that day;

A few of my favorites:


Click the links above for some of my faves!


Create a playlist and go - or let YouTube decide! Since there are so many playlists, you can easily type in a genre/theme, select and work without interruptions.

Also- when things get really stressful. Shut your door and dance! Because no one is watching.




byNL
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September 23, 2017

Theme Days!

In one job, I was lucky enough to make some lifelong friends, and learn some tips and tricks to survive corporate life! My favorite w...
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From as long as I can remember, which is sporadic per repressed memory, there is one thing that makes me happy- The Arts.

It's the one time I come alive, where thought I feel this rumbling and complete mayhem in my stomach, I am happiest.

I believe in gifts. More than ever we are given gifts for a purpose.

And if we follow those gifts, that passion; everything else will fall into place ( think about stars aligning... that's it right there).

I also believe hard work and dedication are needed. You can't sit down and expect it to fall into your lap, or can you??

My life is definitely not perfect.

But I can definitely say, when I am following my heart and passion, I am definitely in a better place, spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically.

When I am stubborn, my growth stalls. I resist change = bad situations occurring. I never wanted to acknowledge my action contributed to these things. My insistence on being in control (subconsciously) I didn't even realize. So I experienced what I perceived to be "bad" when it was really a lesson being repeated until I realized and acted accordingly. Like the child being told, "Don't touch the stove, you will burn yourself!" Me= proceed to jump onto the stove.


My indoctrinated desire to fit the mold I was taught to believe was the right way to live.

When I tell you I contributed to my own pressure, it's no joke.

So as the journey continues, I am learning to be accountable. Life isn't just happening to me. I am creating my destiny, my life path, my everything.

Life is happening for me. Not against me.

So throwing caution to the wind, I follow my passion.

Admittedly I still battle daily with shedding teachings of academia and corporate life.

But it will never be fully shed. It's about balance, finding a happy medium.

It will come

My Sunday thoughts, as I prepare for another week of this journey.




byNL
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September 17, 2017

Your Passion is Important

From as long as I can remember, which is sporadic per repressed memory, there is one thing that makes me happy- The Arts. It's the...
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Last week I got the Brown Shuga Scrub by Tsimplicity

The description intrigued me,    " ...... can be responsible for skin cell preservation, protects the skin from the adverse effects of UV rays.It makes skin smooth and tones your skin to perfection.Coffee plays a crucial role in regulating cell re-growth, which leads to retained hydration and increased skin elasticity. It also gets rid of dark unwanted spots from your face, arms and back area and also corrects discoloration."

I have an ongoing battle with my skin, one minute it is normal to oily, next minute it is dry and painful, so I am always hesitant to try anything on my skin.

I recently stopped washing my face with "hard water" and started cleansing with witch hazel and ponds cold cream. Which made an IMMENSE difference on my skin. So I decided to give Tsimplicity's Brown Shuga Scrub a go.

Firstly let me get one thing out of the way, there is nothing bad about this product!

When I got home and opened the organic wrapping I immediately contacted Tsimplicity's founder, King Tsii and told her I wanted to eat it!

Trying to not eat the Brown Shuga Scrub!
It smells and looks that good.

So about two days later, after on and off smelling the product for a mood lift, I used it.

It goes on well, applying in an upward circular motion is recommended, you can feel your skin tingling from the caffeine!!!!. I left it on for a while ( got some wrinkles that need to be filled out) and tried not to lick my lips. Then rinsed.

My face was so moisturised I was blown away. As I write this review I have to remind myself to not touch my face, it's that soft!

Also, I am GLOWING! 

Bonus: A little bit goes a LONG LONG way.

This product is definitely a case of quality and quantity.


I can't wait to try the rest of the Tsimplicity line, especially the Honey Oat Mask, that is said to be great for sunburn and has some amazing anti-inflammatory properties (she had me at anti-inflammatory).

Check out Tsimplicity on IG here!and follow the brand's founder King Tsii !










byNL
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September 11, 2017

Tsimplicity- Changing my face!

Last week I got the Brown Shuga Scrub by  Tsimplicity The description intrigued me,    " ...... can be responsible for skin cell pre...
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Last night this quote fell into my lap and it screamed at me softly. So much so it went straight to my Instagram feed (I have a slight IG addiction, my love for photos and making memories went from 0 to 100 when my daddy died.)Follow me on IG!!https://www.instagram.com/iamnatalake/

Not just the literal, but that undertone of being the creator of your own destiny! Sometimes you just have to dive in, forego the if, what's, how,  why's and maybe's and just jump.

Having read a lot of motivational books, sometimes it comes across as such an easy task. Wake up, make a change, challenge yourself and BAM your life changes.

 But it isn's that easy!

It is hard sometimes to get up, go out and face the world. To deal with people in general. To get through a day without focusing on your shortcomings at least 100 times!  But somehow you manage. It is a challenge to let go of situations and thoughts that make you want to be in hiding. You can be the most bubbly person in the room, and still hide in a house.

If you have ever felt like that, or still do here are a few tips that I have used and I am still using on my journey to bloom!

  • Clear your mind
  • Focus on the present
  • Clearly envision your goals daily
  • Pray and manifest positive energy
  • Meditate
  • Push yourself- I mean really just jump- clear your mind and do it.
  • Surround yourself with like minded people (Find your tribe)
  • Music! Create playlists themed to each mood, or each attitude you want to adopt (Look out for my post next week on Theme days and the best playlists!)

Importantly, know that it is OK to fail. Every day is a new opportunity to start again and work daily on being the best version of yourself!
byNL
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September 09, 2017

The Blooming Process

Last night this quote fell into my lap and it screamed at me softly. So much so it went straight to my Instagram feed (I have a slight ...
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In April, I was blessed to receive an email from Poppy Apparel, inviting me to be a Brand Ambassador!

Now honestly, I pondered. 

Mainly as I have a tendency to procrastinate, but recently I took the jump, and what a great decision it has been.

www.poppyapparel.com  has something for every lady, from flirty and feminine, to sassy and downright daring.

Dresses, accessories, tees, handbags, shoes, sexy lingerie, swim suits, fitness wear and much more.

The prices are reasonable as well! I am talking about a shop that will definitely have you looking your best on a budget.

If you have time take a look. 

If you are anything like me, style isn't just about wearing what's trending, style is an art, a form of self-expression.






Follow me on Instagram, where I share my favourite pieces and include my exclusive discount code NLAKE868 for 10% off your order.

By the way- FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!










byNL
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September 08, 2017

Poppy Apparel|Natalake BA

In April, I was blessed to receive an email from Poppy Apparel, inviting me to be a Brand Ambassador! Now honestly, I pondered.  M...
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There is no doubt in my mind, my biggest source of support and motivation comes from my girlfriends.

I am blessed to have girlfriends from all walks of life, and in all different fields. Our personalities are all fabulous.

Essentially we are all ALPHAS.

We have come to know one another so well, we can stop one before she blurts out something inappropriate, know when someone is unhappy and even know if she got laid. 

And you know what I love, we don't have concern for each other's feelings when they are doing shit. 

There's  no free pass for not buckling down.  

Even if we don't speak in a week.  Basic convo normally includes catching up on everything from family to business to school.... there are no holds barred. 

Basically, it's love.


We motivate, inspire and achieve.

And that's what a true ALPHA is. A lady who is focused on her growth, success and the same for her loved ones and family. 

A lady who actually prays for someone who has harmed them.

A lady who is empathetic and accountable.

An Alpha has been hurt, dragged,  disrespected,  struggled,  hungry,  tearful,  broke,  abused.... The list goes on. 

But she is STRONG

Perhaps Alphas are born, perhaps they are bred. 

Whatever we are,  we are beautiful,  gentle,  powerfully soft and brilliant.

And EXTRA!






byNL
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September 06, 2017

Alphas

There is no doubt in my mind, my biggest source of support and motivation comes from my girlfriends. I am blessed to have girlfriends fro...
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My mother gets vex with me.

Mostly because of my language. I retaliate by reminding her I am an adult. So whatever profanity may come, shall come.

Sometimes she will say, "I want to go in town" and I say "No".

Selfish reasons, yes!

You see, this is my typical walk in town.

"Psst"

"Reds"

"Family"

"Baby"

"You have a man?"


No response leads to:

"You feel you better than me or what?"

"You does sh*t ice cream!"

"F8Ck you na girl!"

"Watch she, feel she bess!"

Clearly I am fabulous if you take time out of your day to comment and then get upset because  I ignore you.

But sometimes you get polite men, who per me being brought up properly, I will respond "Good Morning" when they say good morning to me and wish me a good day.

Sometimes I get pissed, and tell them to Haul dey Mudda C*nt!

So mummy cannot walk with me in town.
byNL
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August 24, 2017

Town Walks.

My mother gets vex with me. Mostly because of my language. I retaliate by reminding her I am an adult. So whatever profanity may come, s...
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All Trinidadians will know by now the hell that is Chikungunya. It is worse than most mosquito borne viruses. It's like an irritating ex boyfriend who continues to try  and contact you after you explicitly said you never wanted to see his face again, let alone hear anything that reminds you that he is breathing.

Social Media has been flooded with every possible remedy for the virus. Most popular is the paw paw leaf. That is to be crushed and the juice drank to restore blood platelets.





It works so well, it was a dream come true. In desperation I didn't even follow the instructions. I blended it with water and ate it by the spoonful. Apparently not very good for you, but within five minutes of taking it I could feel a surge of energy I had not felt in days. 

They say the effects can last from months to years after the virus, but the bonus is once you get it, you will be Chikungunya free for the rest of your life. I never thought I would say it, but I would prefer another Chikv bout again. Six weeks post Chikv and every time I wean myself off of medication thinking I am fine, I wake up two days medication free and can barely walk. My feet cannot fit into my shoes, and heels... HA HA HA they are just there to look pretty, not be worn.

Another Chikv side effect that is severely overlooked and downplayed. Decreased dexterity. Weaning off medication means a return to atrocious handwriting that is equally as painful, almost impossible task and dropping things, and realizing you have dropped them a few moments later. Normally accompanied by stares and remarks, especially when it happens on Independence Square at lunch time. Now when I drop things I just exclaim "OPA!!!" and laugh, isn't much else that can be done now is there?

Another frustration: I cannot walk at my usual pace. All those people I would mentally blast for walking like they were on a Sunday stroll. Well God really decided to show me. Now I hobble, and when medication is at its best, still walk not even half the pace I was used to. Crossing the roads in Port of Spain is the worst. Drivers "cussin" because I cannot get across the road quickly enough, which has led to many middle fingers and expletives on my part out of sheer frustration and pain.

But, it isn't all bad. Recently as I walked gingerly across the road a taxi driver poked his head out and said " Take yuh time dahlin, I know how that Chickv does be". I slowly retreated , as I had been mentally prepping myself  for another cuss out.

But the frustrations still stand. Not wanting to be dependent on medication but not being able to fully function without them is a hell of a thing.

So here is to a post weaning day, where all my plans have been shot to hell.

 Thank goodness for Netflix.


byNL
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November 04, 2014

Chikungunya Life

All Trinidadians will know by now the hell that is Chikungunya. It is worse than most mosquito borne viruses. It's like an irritating e...
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A few days ago our nation cried in shame, mothers held onto their children paralyzed in fear yet again. This time, it was a fifteen year old mother...yes MOTHER, shot dead while out with her companion (father of her child).

Now there is no intention here to berate, admonish nor belittle the mother of this young mother. After the child's ( 15 is a child, no?) death, her mother was on local news, speaking of the initial shock at her child's pregnancy, but later on lauding her daughter for being a responsible mother.

The question is, where does it end and who is at fault with this phenomena of children having children. Where are the values of the earlier generations? Have they dissolved into the background, taken over by technology and the YOLO (You Only Live Once) mentality?

It isn't uncommon to see young women, barely twenty one with a babe in arms and another on the hip. Speak to some teachers who dare to share stories of their students in the government schools. Can you imagine a 16 year old informing their teacher that they wont be at school the following day for an exam because they cant afford to send their toddler to daycare! What a world to live in, robbed of innocence by poor guidance and poor education. Imagine those who have grown up and learnt that having a child is a form of income, as the state provides welfare for those mothers in need.

Where is sex education? In a nation that is predominantly "Christian" there is no sex education on the curriculum, yet a growing discomfort over the population increase with children having children.

Imagine being a fly on a wall in a primary school classroom, where a young boy and girl barely 10 years old are having sexual intercourse on break and lunch times. Imagine yourself again, picking up your nine year old from school and having to answer why your sons classmate asked him if she could 'sit on his face for a nice time'.

Where does it start and end, and do these parents and elders even recognize the values or lack thereof they are instilling in their young ones.  Is it cultural? Since when did it become acceptable to encourage your offspring and younger family generation to have children out of wedlock, when did education take the back burner and the desire to have a 'girl child' or 'boy child' become the number one priority!

I am ashamed for my country, and ashamed as a woman, to see the elder generation preach  the word of God, and call damnation upon those who wrong them, yet encourage such an immoral and present time oriented mentality. Where is the common sense and true love for humanity? If you really love your fellow man and want the development of a nation, wouldn't priority be to invest in the future of the younger generation, encourage education and the promotion of all round development, and not the roundness of a stomach.

Wake up Trinidad and Tobago, for now all you can do is hold your head in shame and see that the society is tantamount to the mentality you cling to, if you believe that your leaders are not setting the right example, one up them and do it yourself.

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD.
byNL
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January 26, 2014

Children having Children.

A few days ago our nation cried in shame, mothers held onto their children paralyzed in fear yet again. This time, it was a fifteen year o...
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"Love is of all passions the strongest for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart, and the senses." ~ Lao Tzu

~

"There is always some madness in love.But there is also always some reason in madness." ~ Friedrich Nietzsche
 Love is everywhere! God is love, we love one another daily at times without giving it a second thought. We "fall" in love when we least expect. For years the debate has run...is it love or lust? Why can't both be incorporated into one? Ladies at times may idolise the "romantic" love, and men love it too, even with their rough exterior (arguably just as much, if not more than some ladies). Why not love? Love is what makes the world go 'round, and  there isn't anything better than love in my book.

 So over the next few weeks I am going to meditate on all the different types of love; sharing videos, poems that have struck me, and left a blueprint on my mind, memories of love and anything that tickles my fancy.
~


#1 Loving You: Kees Dieffenthaller and Tessanne Chin

I  love this song, every time I see the video, hear the song, its a lightning bolt. Its melody entices and tugs on your 'heartstrings', the beautiful scenery of Trinidad and Tobago, and even the local Hi-Lo (Supermarket Chain:Trinidad) makes a guest appearance!

Enjoy!














byNL
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September 25, 2012

Love Time

"Love is of all passions the strongest for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart, and the senses." ~ Lao Tzu ~ ...
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