1. Reads: For your holiday getaway, if you’re not already a friend of Jamoji—Essays of Life and Play in Jamaica, now is the time to share in the love of island life ahead of one of the most sought out Spring break destinations. Also, in the new year, Jamoji will be visiting classrooms and two of my favorites along for the ride are Facing the Sun & “Daddy, Tell Me A Story.” I’m so happy to be surrounded by female authors doing extraordinary things. The tales of the Caribbean diaspora will not be possible without the fight of the Black American story. This Jamaican, Bahamian and Southern special curated trio setting captures the journey of childhood, family bonds, home and the coming of age tales in the face of adversity. 

2. Sleep: Slip Silk Turban is perfect for any hair type. If you have an early morning and are not in the mood for full glam at the crack of dawn, the silk turban will allow for a good night’s rest and keep your blowout/do intact. What I especially love about it is that it is not overly tight, fits any hair length and doesn’t leave elastic dents on your forehead in the morning. The Sleep Mask is equally terrific and comfortable. I stumbled upon the secret of a good night’s rest is a silk mask after my turban slipped over my eyes one night. I woke up that morning with the most peaceful deep rest that I hadn’t known existed. I ordered my first pair the next day and never looked back. 

3. DIY: This year I convinced myself that running is fun, but what is not so fun is soreness. I welcomed baths again with 365 Epsom Salt Muscle Soak and it has been a game changer. A 20-30 mins soak is all you need to feel restored and ready for the week. A perfect gift to layer on for some personal time and individual experience. 

4. LUX: I love the very impractical mini petite bag trend and if I cannot find the excuse to buy another one, someone should and please let it be the Gucci GG Marmont mini quilted leather shoulder bag.

5. Wear: I get excited when the L.L. Bean catalog arrives in the mail, I am the first to order yet another sweatshirt in its new release color. This Sherpa Fleece Jacket is one of my favorites for so many reasons; colors, style, price and seasonal versatility. It’s the perfect gift at any age. 

6. Home: I don’t usually wear cologne in the house, but I like my home to be all encompassing of a familiar scent. Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Room Spray is the go to for a personal fragrant, especially when I don’t want to be preoccupied with whether I left a candle burning. 

7. Beach: I purchased my first FOUTA back in 2008 and I still use it on almost every beach and park outing today. The compliments never get old, it’s the throw of all throws. It’s durable, playful, lite, absorbent and washes well. And No, “one just isn’t enough!” One for each family member is just about right. You can even personalize them.

8. Skin: I’m very much a (no scent) white bar person, but this AFOKOSKIN Black Soap Body Wash is so soft, tender and natural to the skin that it is my mini lux for the day. It’s also mild enough for the entire family to enjoy. 

9. Lounge: A jumpsuit?! Yes, please! Sometimes thinking of what to wear on top and bottom is just too much. Vuori Lux Jumpsuit makes it very comfortable and easy. Not to mention versatile: home, latte run, light yoga, errands, brunch… you name it! With a blazer, motor leather jacket, cardigan or fleece jacket, your options are limitless. 
   
   
10. GIVE: After you’ve enjoyed your holiday island getaway and want to relinquish its memories, consider giving to #JamojiPLAY! Visitors and admirers of the Caribbean Islands looking to give back in a visually and impactful way, can donate to the building of the first playground at Bridgeport Primary School in Portmore, St. Catherine—Jamaica.

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It brings me great joy to not only share this experience with you all, but it is a true honor to give back and celebrate with the Jamaican community. 

I know I’ve always wanted to give back to Jamaica, but I wasn’t always sure how. In writing Jamoji—Essays of Life and Play in Jamaica, reliving my childhood memories and exploring working partnerships opened the opportunity that I would give back to the very core of Jamoji, preserving childhood and innocence. After one playground is successfully built, we can build another and another, but we have to get the first one right, first. (The Jamaican Ministry of Education is onboard to facilitate the needs of the playground installation.)

To kick things off, we’ll be taking over the gardens of Pegasus hotel on Dec. 17th with fun activities and a silent auction. (Great prizes to come!) The event tickets for the Jamoji launch party and fundraiser are available via eventbrite. I would love to have you join us on Saturday, Dec. 17th at Pegasus Hotel, in Kingston Jamaica.

If you have any questions or would be interested in supporting #JamojiPLAY, I am all ears!

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Date: Saturday, December 17, 2022
Place: Pegasus Hotel (Kingston, Jamaica)
Time: 4PM -9PM
Dress: Garden Cocktail
Serving: Island style hors d’euvres & open bar

I shared in the book cover dedication that a part of Jamoji book proceeds will go to the school my sisters and I attended while living in Jamaica, Bridgeport Primary in St. Catherine. Specifically, building a playground for the school. In addition, I will be hosting a fundraiser for this book launch (incld. book signing) on Dec 17, 2022 at Pegasus Hotel Jamaica to further meet this effort. 

And if you can’t make it to Jamaica, you won’t miss out on the fun because we have an online silent auction filled with great prizes that includes Apple iPad, Spa for 2 at Halfmoon Resort and more! 

The option to donate directly to building the playground is open here. 

You won’t want to miss out when tickets go on sale in the coming weeks. A LIMITED number of early-bird discount tickets will be available…Get them before they go!

Lastly, if you haven’t already, please remember to pick up, share, invite, and leave a review for Jamoji. (For signed copies go here.) It is your continued support that helps us grow.

See you there!

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The history and tradition of eating bun and cheese at Easter is not a discussion that most Jamaicans have, it’s a practice that has over time become naturally ingrained into the culture to the acceptance and enjoyment of most. I guess it’s like the Easter bunny, egg, egg hunt and basket or a Christmas tree ornament. Yes, there is the history of how it came to be, but no attention is ever given to the origin. In fact, many eat “bun and cheese” year round. However, Easter bun is slightly different as it is baked with dried fruits; raisins, cherry and currants. The year round version of Jamaican spice bun is typically without the dried fruits. 

It is interesting to note that the Easter tradition of bun and cheese is not accompanied by a special drink, time of day to enjoy or even at any given time over the course of the two-week Easter celebrations. It’s there to enjoy whenever one desires, as a snack, an offering to house guests, lunch or after-dinner munching. Due to its high demand and its limited availability during the season, enjoying Easter bun and cheese is often not the most affordable pleasure for some families. As such, the Easter bun is usually purchased the Thursday before Easter, “Holy Thursday,” for not only freshness, but also to ensure the household is not without over the Easter weekend. And even then, it is rationed throughout the weekend. The one tradition that is still practiced from its origin and introduction to Jamaica is that the Easter Bun is to be consumed on Good Friday. In the superstitious folklore past in Britain, our colonizers ate hot cross buns on Good Friday. While the tradition has faded, Jamaica made it her own. After church service on Good Friday, the family enjoys Easter bun and cheese as a snack and then fish is served for dinner.

I enjoyed eating Easter bun and cheese growing up, it’s tasty! Today, I sometimes find myself intuitively partaking in the practice because it’s just something that we do. Once Easter celebrations are over however, so is the Easter bun and cheese. Not even if it’s on sale for 70% off. Once Christ has risen, there is no need for the Easter bun anymore. 

Around the world, Easter is marked as the celebration of the beginning of spring, but in Jamaica, it’s the beginning of the season we’ve all been waiting for, when the first blossoms of the mango trees begin to bare new fruit.

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Besides having more frequent music festivals and intentional gatherings to celebrate in the month of February, the occasion is no different than any other time in Jamaica. We celebrate with music and do so without cause. Turning on the radio is the first thing most Jamaicans do in the morning. The newscaster delivers the news and adds a tune or two in between. It’s not unusual for the programming MC to continue speaking as the music plays in the background and/or pausing in between lyrical lines for announcements or to hype up the tunes they’re playing. Reggae is often married with great acoustics. A proper sound system for your music is mandatory in Jamaica. There isn’t a single neighborhood without a dancehall sound system. Bluetooth speaker systems are cute and modern, but the trend has yet to be caught on. If your heart doesn’t beat from the vibration of the sound system, it doesn’t count. This can be unpleasant to most, but it is the way in which we listen to reggae and thus, all forms of music. For the most part, this way of listening to music is on the top of the list of neighborhood nuisances, but in its designated space of a dance, outing, plaza or any public gathering, it is expected and tolerated. 

A day on the beach is not complete without the lyrical tunes of “Jammin” ushering you into relaxation and good vibes all around. It is our unofficial beach anthem. Next up is the “Sun is shining.” When the music plays you know where you are. Reggae is a feeling, lifestyle and way of living. On the coldest North American day, listening to reggae music immediately takes you to the beach. Many don’t even listen to the lyrics sometimes, they just go with the feeling. This is common if one doesn’t understand patois, but it also speaks to the power of reggae music pulling you in. For those who understand, it’s jubilation for the soul. One would think that Jamaicans are used to or are tired of hearing reggae music all the time, but no matter where we are, when we hear that song (and there could be many), we’re alert, hips are moving, volume turned up if possible, and then there is a comforting smile that emanates  from within. At home it is our entertainment and life, abroad it’s ours. And it’s so special having something that belongs to you. Reggae music is the world’s bridge in connecting and it gives us, Jamaicans, agency to belong.

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New Year’s is a joyous occasion in Jamaica, a welcomed clean slate. Christmas is reflective, a rebirth and renewal, and by New Year’s you’re born again. There is no looking in the rearview mirror. On any given year, Jamaica sees many trails and ups and downs, and the New Year is a ray of hope when many look forward to change. And for most, the best place to start is in Church at watch night services. 

If your New Year’s Eve visit to Jamaica is spent at a local resort, your experience will be 100% different from what I am about to describe. Also, if a countdown to the New Year is important to you, I highly suggest that you stay at a resort or in your personal surroundings to accommodate such desires. While you’ll find dances and live sessions throughout the island, they usually don’t start until in the wee hours of the morning and go all day long on New Year’s Day. I must admit New Year’s Eve celebrations were most exciting as a kid. It felt like something amazing was about to happen at the strike of midnight. We would light firecrackers and run through the streets in delight, awaiting the New Year’s arrival. I wouldn’t call them “fireworks,” but the tradition of celebrating with firecrackers is reserved for New Year’s in Jamaica and not Independence Day like in North America. It is also mostly enjoyed in a juvenile fashion, kids — it’s our freedom — staying up until midnight and playing outside after dark was otter joy. 

For the coming of age or “born again” adult, it’s baptism season. “The New Year must find you in church” is the most notable and noble stance you’ll find on the island. Yes, that magic as a child, where something amazing is about to happen, brings in new life to the lives of so many year after year. When we’ve outgrown the childish delight of firecrackers and starlights, we get baptized and witness baptisms. I don’t mind missing a countdown; watch night service sermons go on beyond midnight, without acknowledging the start of a New Year. What I do mind is the inaction inherent in our belief, in this dress rehearsal of rebirth, that change is inherently guaranteed and thus, a right. Jamaica, no problem mon. New Year’s day like most holidays in Jamaica is enjoyed at the beach to reconnect with loved ones and “wash the old year off.” A cultural baptism. If there were ever a year to wash off, it’s 2020, but in the year 2021 and beyond, let’s continue to push acting beyond rituals and intentions. Let’s work on being the change we want to see.  

Celebrate the New Year however you please, but know that this is neither a timed exam nor will there be a new you at the strike of midnight. I am happy to say that at this time, I do not feel unfishished, but whole. I understand that the better half of this New Year will most certainly look the same as the year before; I welcome it with arms wide open. 

Happy New Year!

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Christmas in Jamaica is at first a feeling; the cool breeze in the air. A much welcome break from the usual scorching hot sun. Music is blasting almost everywhere you go and what might have, at other times, been a nuisance, is now embraced and much adored. Gift giving is limited to parents, children, romantic partners, employees and leaders of the community, including teachers. Of course one can give personal gifts to whomever one desires, but while it will not be rejected, it’s also not expected. The preferred gift of choice at any age is cash. Yeah, it’s not a “gift” as the season intends, but let me explain. The season brings much festivities and celebrations outside of the home — beach outings, sessions, Grand Market, dining out — requiring monetary currency to partake in and enjoy. And like it or not, with Jamaica being a developing country, there will always be the need to get by. Also, there are not many options to freely return and/or exchange unwanted gifts at stores. Besides, whatever the desired gift, it was already on the wishlist and would most likely be received in the family’s barrel from overseas. However, if you must give a personal gift, do not be alarmed if it is not opened in front of you and/or worn/displayed/used in your presence. It’s not an insult or lack of gratitude, but merely a level of intimacy and affection that is not shown amongst us unless we’ve been otherwise formally introduced to that practice. What can I say, we learned our manners from the English. If it is something or someone who might mean something to you, you’re better off taking them out for an outing or giving cash. 

Without thinking too hard, I would say the top gift for women are fragrances or fragrance sets. For men, the same. Then, a hair and/or nail salon visit for women and a new shirt for men. These are not to replace cash, but in addition to it. And for kids, cash (to buy the desired toys, and firecrackers for New Year’s celebrations). Maybe if Santa delivered cash we’d accept him with open arms, but until then, he’s just a man in a red sweater-suit set. And it doesn’t matter if he is Black or White. 

Merry Christmas.

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The caroling festivity fills the air and our hearts shine with pride for having made it through another year. Christmas is the celebration of Christ, His birth and thus, the spirit of renewal. In Jamaica, much effort is spent on the preparation and presentation of Christmas and less emphasis on a gift list and/or Christmas shopping. First, we prepare our feast by harvesting sorrel and soaking dried fruits in advance for the early construction of the Christmas cake. Sorrel is a dried hibiscus flower, used to prepare a traditional (rum) punch served at Christmas in Jamaica. Traditionally, this plant is only made available around Christmas time and thus, only consumed during this season. Sorrel becomes our “tea” at Christmas. I guess we do enjoy iced tea afterall! Though, this is more comparable to a Long Island iced tea.

In addition to personal grooming and dressing up, we dress up our homes — we paint, garden, fix/replace/add additional appliances, clean, dine on the best china and silverware, and change out the drapes and room beddings all in the season. Businesses and government entities all take part in the process. Not a stone is left unturned. Not only does the time signify the commencement of the tourism season — thank you! — but it’s also the time of year our friends and relatives overseas come home for the holidays, school is out and offices close for at least two weeks. Once all the preparations have taken place, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of our labor. 

Your sorrel and Christmas cake are the stars of the season. Sorrel and Christmas cake, which is a rum-infused fruit cake, are to be served and enjoyed throughout the season. Usually, a visitor to the home is presented with this offering. I must note that there is a high probability that this visitor is just passing through town, unannounced, until that phone call to check if you’re home. This is why we prepare, so as to never be caught off guard, even when clearly inconvenienced. What can I say, we are very hospitable in our culture and in our practices. For the Christmas cake, each household and baker has unique methods and ingredients, and like many Jamaican foods, a recipe is not passed on. Yeah, I know… Every year I am met with chimes of criticism from bakers and their audiences; “it could use more rum,” “the fruits are no good this year,” “it’s fresh,” “it’s dry,” “it burn,” “it’s too rummy” and this list goes on. Christmas cake is one of my favorite things to enjoy and 9 out of 10, it’s good no matter the baker, but is a recipe that we all can agree on too much to ask?!

Christmas Eve is enjoyed with friends and relatives at Grand Market, it’s our Christmas shopping put into one night, from dusk until dawn. It’s really fun for teenagers, it’s our first taste of freedom because everyone is out on a festive occasion and thus our parents are inclined to let us stay out beyond curfew. Then there’s the Christmas dinner spread, fit for kings and queens — ham, roast beef, chicken, curry goat, oxtail, and rice and peas. Yes, of course our traditional vegetables/salad. Another year being renewed in a feast of thanksgiving and the gift of life for all good things to come is reflected in this season. Though our Christmas celebrations may be different from your holiday celebrations, we are similar in that we believe in miracles and are made anew by the wonders of the season. 

After sleeping and eating all of Christmas day, the following day, Boxing Day, is commonly spent with your significant other at the beach and or attending one of the plethora of stage sessions (dance/parties) held throughout the island. Boxing day is a lot more fun in my opinion, you’re not exhausted from Grand Market celebrations nor overworked from cooking Christmas dinner. You’re simply basking in the sun, melting the stresses of the year away. And that’s Christmas time, it brings us light at the end of the year’s tunnel. 

Have a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year — it’s the Jamaican way.

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Don’t get me wrong, Labour Day is also about community spirit and national pride in our appearance, as well as social values — things that are very much the fabric of Jamaican culture. As a child, I enjoyed Labour Day and to be honest, maybe a little too much as it’s really just physical labour, but it felt good seeing how pristine our surroundings looked after the job was done. 

It’s lovely being a part of a community actively working together and a marvel to witness the reveal of what’s possible when minds align. From an outsider’s perspective, a weekend day spent on maintaining order and “readiness” does not appear all that enticing. Drinking soup in 80+°F weather to sweat around the dinner table is far from the luxury beachfront and tranquility sights Jamaica is known for, but for us, it’s the best part of the day for so many of us. Being together and enjoying a flavor packed meal is all that matters.  

As much as I enjoy being together at the end of the day’s tasks, today, I still struggle with the thought of cleaning. It’s not an activity I enjoy, but I appreciate it for what it is as it’s one of the few times where I can see the fruit of my work instantaneously and that gives me joy. It’s indicative of what hard work can do and surprisingly, it is during these times some of my best thoughts and ideas present itself. The idea for Jamoji App manifested itself on a Saturday morning, cleaning. Clean on Jamaica, clean on. 

Happy Labour Day!

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Yes, we also recognize Mother’s Day, Nurses’ Day, Teacher’s day and our National Holiday, Labor Day all in the month of May, but there is no question about it, May is for us, the future. 

In hindsight I believe the intention of “National Child Month,” was the politically correct way of saying or not saying, “Child Abuse Prevention/Awareness Month.” Until most recently, corporal punishment was still widely accepted and thus, in an effort to address the needs and desires of children without handing over the weapon of hypocrisy, we dressed up the elephant in the room in the spirit of love and tradition. 

Jamoji’s images of children (m/f preschool and adolescents) are reflections of what I saw and how I see myself. The adolescents are represented as “fass” (nosy), but today I call them curious, and rightfully so, because that’s the way we learn. 

May 2020 is different for us all, but let our intentions be the same, looking ahead and nourishing our childhood spirit.

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