Thursday, May 23, 2013

Monroe, the Resort Collection by Rhion Romany

Looking to put your hands on something new, stylish and daring anytime soon from a local/Caribbean designer? The new resort collection by Rhion Romany, "MONROE" will be releasing soon! Can't wait? Neither can we. 




Saturday, May 18, 2013

The Reggae Sumfest Story!

With the Summer fast approaching, one thing many Jamaican locals and foreigners are looking forward to is the 21st staging of biggest reggae festival, Reggae Sumfest which is slated for July 21-27.

With this year promised to be yet another fantastic event - the Reggae Sumfest team brought a little light to life with their Reggae Sumfest Story, which highlights previous performances over the past years.  



Are you planning to attend this year's event? Look out for upcoming posts on the must haves for the event, what to wear here plus all the latest deets on the event. 





Monday, May 13, 2013

Get the Island Guide by the Locals about Barbados

Get a feel of Barbados from the locals. They give the best tips while sharing how you can best enjoy your trip to the islands. And the Bajan locals, share how you can experience the 'REALLLLL' Bajan culture in Barbados Life Lessons - What Locals Know. They share the places to go, where to dine and where to enjoy a trip that will worth your while! 



What do you think about locals giving advice on where to go on your travel destination? Would you rather listening to them, since they know their island more than foreigners?

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Our TOP Picks of Where to Take Mom for Mother's Day in Jamaica

In case you are still wondering where to take mom for Mothers' Day tomorrow, we have a quick round-up of some of the most exotic, top-rated Jamaican restaurants, resorts, lounges and spas to take mom this Mothers' Day. From morning to afternoon brunches, to live music events and dinner - we recommend our top picks of where to take mom for Mother's Day. See our suggestions below (in no particular order)

Spoil Thy Mother at The CavesRemind mom how special she is and treat her to a tantalizing spa at the Mini-Aveda Spa at The Caves. She'll enjoy a foot bath in sea salt and essential oils, an exfoliating sugar scrub, 30 minutes massage bliss and a mini facial while she enjoys complimentary mimosas and tropical fruit on her special day. Cost $170US 


Spoil Thy Mother with Live Music and Culinary Delights at Strawberry Hill: Enjoy tasty foods that will awake your appetite at Sunday Brunch in the company of your mom while you enjoy the sweet melodies from the live music on the scene in the cool hills of Irish Town, St. Andrew. And just for mom, enjoy mini-massages and complimentary cocktails. Cost: $4500JM (including tax and service)




Mothers' Day Lunch and BBQ at GoldenEye's Bizot Bar: Take mom out of the house and off to Oracabessa, St. Mary for indulge in the stunning natural beauty of the island while she enjoys some of Jamaica's local culinary delights. Also, get complimentary cocktails and mini-spas all for $60US (including tax and service)

Mothers' Day Signature Champagne Brunch at SevenIndulge in a world-class, luxury chic moment away from home at Seven St. James with mom, where she is guaranteed to experience and enjoy excellent foods, cocktails and great music with a live performance by Andy Vernon. Complimentary champagne and flowers for mom is also included. 


Mother's Day Brunch at Boone Hall Oasis: In Upper St. Andrew with the coolness of the breeze awaits you, enjoy a morning to afternoon brunch with a Jamaican Buffet Cuisine that will wet your appetite while you enjoy live entertainment by the Dwight Richards Band. 



Friday, May 10, 2013

Our Island People: Travel + Lifestyle with Toya Turner

Ever dreamt about travelling to Antigua? You have? We have too! But until that glorious day comes - we decided to catch up with Toya Turner, an Antiguan herself, who shares a little about her island, her culture, what she loves about the Caribbean plus a little about her travel and lifestyle. 

Toya Turner, who resides in Antigua, has lived in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, who enjoys travelling and spending lots of time at the beach. She describes herself as a Caribbean girl with a gypsy vibe, who loves the island life - but has a taste for the big city! Toya is a professional accountant as well as an entrepreneur, but it is as a blogger we know her best, where she blogs over at Island Style (a fashion, style and lifestyle blog)


Let's indulge in the Antiguan lifestyle here, as shared by Toya plus little bits and pieces about her travel and lifestyle ...

What is the best thing about Antigua (from your perspective)? The Weather. You can't beat 80 degrees everyday. There is really no way you can feel miserable living on an island. You know everyone- from the Prime Minster to the market vendor. It helps you to stay connected-and I love that about island life.

What do you miss the most when not at home in Antigua/the Caribbean? The sounds and smells of the ocean! I remember my first week at University in Trinidad- I could hear the traffic on the Eastern Main Road- but I couldn't hear the water and I definitely couldn't smell it. I'd never noticed how much a part of me it had become. I didn't have one good night's sleep the entire time.

Your favourite thing about the Caribbean islands? Carnival is my hands-down favourite thing about the islands. Almost every island has one... but they're all unique. I love the costumes and the music, and the fun. I just have to hear Machel Montano start to sing and I'm instantly "READY". You have to be a real islander to get what I mean.

Favourite foods from Antigua? Guava cheese. Hands down THE BEST SWEET ever!

The best hidden treasure in Antigua: Lots of people don't know about our waterfall. When it rains for days on end (you can imagine how often that happens...NOT) the island actually has a waterfall. I suppose it's a little perk because as much as we appreciate the rain- none of us really "loves" when it's wet and overcast.... but we all love that waterfall.

For first timers to the island, which hangout spots would you recommend? If it's your first time- you have to see Shirley Heights. It was an old navy fortress. The views are great during the day and even better at night. It overlooks Nelsons Dockyard which is one of the oldest naval dockyards in the region.

via | Lookout view from Shirley Heights, Antigua
Which Caribbean island would you love to travel to and why? Up next for me is St. Barths. I've heard about the shopping over there- and I'm dying to see how much damage I can do to my credit card.

Favourite travel destination: New York City. I just love the pace of it and the smells and even the shoves you get when the streets are packed. NYC is fast and furious. Let's not talk about the shopping! I actually plan my trip around the sample sales. The best part is that I know it's only for a short time, so I enjoy the sensory overload- then I go to my hotel and shut out the world.

Favourite vacation of all timePanama. It took me three planes and two days to get there- but I loved every minute of it. It's a beautiful place.

Favourite local/Caribbean swimwear line? I own a piece from POSHE, Camesha Powell from Jamaica. I love it. Her pieces are sexy!

Villa or hotel, and why? VILLA hands down. If not, a hotel that allows you the privacy of a villa. Lots of Caribbean hotels are adopting that aesthetic and I think it's great. I'm not a fan of being in a traditional hotel. Boutique properties and villas are more my taste.

Would you rather island hopping or a Caribbean cruise? I would rather a cruise ONLY because inter-island travel can be a nightmare. I've had to spend 8 hours holed up in Grantley Adams airport waiting on LIAT. Not fun. Cruises are great value for money. I've done it twice and I would do it again.

One Caribbean event you look forward to every year? Trinidad Carnival. If I don't get to go and play a mas, I just play the music and have carnival tabanca. This year I didn't go. It was a rough week. LOL

One island event is a must-attend for locals and foreigners in Antigua? I would recommend the Sailing Week. There's lots to do and over 100 boats sail down to Antigua for the races. Even if you're not into sailing, I think anyone would enjoy it.


via | Sail Week in Antigua
Favourite hangout spot and why? I'm a huge foodie. So generally when I have free time, I like to check out new restaurants. A day-bed and a mojito are all I need to feel relaxed.

What is your biggest travelling pet peeve? Delayed flights drive me mad. 

Must-Have item when travelling? A really good carry-on. If your flight is delayed or heaven forbid, they lose your bags- all you have is what you've brought with you as hand luggage. I once had to wait two days for my bags to arrive - it was a lesson learned.

Magazines or music when travelling? InStyle Magazine- always

Best people to travel with, friends or family? I love travelling with my girlfriends. You can get into much more mischief when your friends are with you than when you've got family along.

What is the wildest thing on your bucket list? I'd like to be a contestant on Jeopardy  Crazy right? Whenever I watch it I'm always convinced I would win. I'd probably get up there and freeze.... but I would love to try.

We hope enjoyed this month's 'Our Island People - Travel and Lifestyle' post and feel free to tell us who you would like to see featured here. Also, look out for our new features coming on the blog this year! We welcome all suggestions, so just feel free to drop us an email at eat.explore.live@gmail.com.

To stay connected to Toya, FOLLOW her on Twitter and check out her blog, Island Style 








Monday, April 29, 2013

Add BANG Swimwear to Your Must Have for the Summer!

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Earlier this month, we highlighted five (5) Caribbean Swimwear lines you should be shopping now - but with the latest discovery of Nell Robinson's BANGING swimwear line - BANG! Swimwear - we are more than convinced that this is a MUST HAVE for the Summer. 

Jamaican International model Nell Robinson who was discovered by Pulse Model Agency in 2002, joined forces with friend Ann Marie Clarke to start up her very own edgy, fun and flirty swimwear line which has BANGING the minute it came on the scene. 

Heads of BANG Swimwear Nell Robinson and Ann Marie Clarke
The BANG Swimwear line includes denim, graphic-printed and leather textured bikinis and monokins. Summer is around the corner and we are looking forward to seeing the ladies choosing this swimwear collection has one of their must haves to complement their curves. 

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See the BANG 2013 lookbook here and keep posted to their website to make your purchases online (worldwide, including Jamaica) - which be up in a few days as announced by the BANG team. 

What do you think about Nell and Ann Marie's collab? Can you see yourself creating a storm this summer in this swimwear line?




Sunday, April 28, 2013

Celebrities On the Island: Eva Marcille Sets Foot on Cayman Islands Sand

The Caribbean region has officially kicked off the series of highly anticipated Fashion Week/Fashion Weekend - and the Cayman Islands is one of the islands that is first up with the greatness that everyone awaits!

As you know or didn't know - the Caribbean is usually graced with the presence of many celebrities/ well-recognized faces of those who are here to either partake or visit the islands for the big events. And one such familiar face on who is in the Caribbean this time around is Eva Marcille (also known as Eva Pigford), America's Next Top Model Cycle 3 Winner, actress and model is here for the Cayman Islands Fashion Week which kicked off on Thursday last week. 

Eva who is here to host the weekend long event - has set foot upon the sands of the Grand Cayman and has been tweeting, instagramming and sharing her experiences every chance she gets. 







From sharing whats on her plate to where is has been and where she is headed - she has given us the deets on the whats what in Cayman and without a doubt she indulging in all the island has to offer while it lasts. 

The Grand Cayman provides travellers from all corners of the world a desired luxury vacation and though Eva was on the island for work - so definitely played a little too. 

The Cayman Islands Fashion Week was created with the purpose of promoting the islands as a fashion and lifestyle destination. To find out more about the event, visit the Facebook Page and the website

Also catch up with the Eva and all the things she is doing by following her on Instagram

Photos via Instagram *these photos are not the property of EatExploreLive*




Thursday, April 25, 2013

CHOCOCHINO Special at Cafe Whats On!

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Sometimes we all deserve a really good treat! You know, something that will set us back on pace with life or maybe a little knack that will refresh our souls. And thanks to Cafe Whats On, you can do just that now through to next week Thursday May 2, with their incredible 'CHOCOCHINO' special!  Spend on 600JM for a cappuccino and a slice of their moist delicious chocolate cake served with chocolate sauce.

Is your mouth watering already? Ours tooo :) So why not treat your taste buds to something special at Cafe Whats On. 

Cafe Whats On is a relaxing cafe with a well-suited scrumptious menu for those who enjoy quick bites worth every penny! Grab a friend and enjoy a the week long special at Cafe Whats On, located at 133 Barbican Road, Kingston, Jamaica. Opening hours Monday through to Saturday 10 am to 3 pm.



Thursday, April 18, 2013

The World of Trinidad and Tobago Fashion - Its More Than A Lifestyle, Its Heartfelt



As a Caribbean, we all have our proud moments when we see how exceedingly well our people are doing and when our islands and our people are being sold to the world in positive light, it warms our heart more than words can express.

Whether you are a Trinidadian, Jamaican, Bajan or Guyanese, to see our Caribbean people do well - is to be proud. And when we first saw this 12-minute documentary about Trinidad and Tobago's fashion industry it made us proud to say we are Caribbean. The documentary which was produced and directed by Haute Caribe, was not only brilliant but heartfelt and we felt the sense of pride for the Trinidadians and those who have helped to build and shape the fashion industry of the twin island.

Some of the island's well recognized persons were featured in the documentary which includes Anya Ayoung-Chee, Meiling Esau, Keegan Simon and Claudia Pegus.

Through the video, you feel and see the life of the island and the passion of the people - the video is well produced and is nothing less than captivating! 

By the way, this video is a few months old, but we decided to share it with those of you who wanted to watch it for the millionth time and for those who have never seen it before. Hope you liked it! 

Saturday, April 06, 2013

5 Caribbean Swimwear Lines You Should Be Shopping Now

Travelling to the Caribbean for vacation? Or maybe you are just an island girl with a heart that loves well-designed pieces that matches you style perfectly? Well, we have rounded five (5) Caribbean swimwear lines you should be shopping now that oozes Caribbean fashion at its best - from bold, wild prints, fringe, cutouts and intricate designs - what's there not to love about these Caribbean designed lines?

Jae Jolly Designs: this line oozes sexy, edgy and sophistication. Known for their intricate detailing and mixing of fabrics and textures - this line is perfect for the woman who loves to stand-out wherever she goes. Their bikinis are above and beyond fun and trendy. 
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ASD Clothing: caters to women who are young and young at heart and who desires ready to wear swimwear pieces with intricate designs perfect for the tropical weather. ASD line also consists of illustrated tees that are unique and fun to wear.

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Chandra Maharaj Swimwear: remind yourself of the beauty of the Caribbean where ever you go in a CM design. From sexy cutouts to bold wild prints, owning a swimwear from this line dares to brings out your sexy, bold side.

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Hutch Beachwear by Dominic Hutchinson: stand out when you step out in Hutch Beachwear designed pieces. The custom made beachwear is perfect for any beach party - and what's even better is that you have a say in your designs. Get your custom made piece to fit your body just the way you like - with a splash of fashion, colour and Caribbean style.

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Yahdie Conscious: is the ultimate line for confident women who isn't afraid to stand out in this edgy and unique brand. With a wide range of designs to suit every woman's style - this brand is fun, edgy and playful with a great twist. Love prints, cutouts and little details that makes your outfit a stand-out? You'll love Yadhie Conscious swimwear pieces. The YC Desert Swim collection is also a BIG HIT! 

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Do you own a swimwear from any of these Caribbean lines? If not, which one will you be shopping soon! Do you have any other swimwear line you would like to share with us? Leave your comments in the box below - we'd love to hear from you! 




Friday, April 05, 2013

Taste of St.Kitts

For many who travel to the Caribbean, it is the food that captures their hearts. And while many might not know too much about what St. Kitts has to offer, this video shared below brings us to upbeat. Through the video - your mouths might water and your heart may long to take you across the Caribbean and into St.Kitts for an unforgettable experience. 

From plantation style hotels, to beachfront restaurants, St. Kitts provides the ultimate authentic experience for travellers to enjoy the island's cuisines. 



St. Kitts is the tropical island of the Caribbean that delights travels from near and far and with its naturally beautiful appeal - you are bound to get trapped. 



Thursday, April 04, 2013

Celebrities On the Island: Beyonce and Jay Z Does Cuba

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Beyonce and Jay-Z, who are both celebrating their fifth (5th) wedding anniversary was both spotted in Cuba this week.

And like any traveller who desires good food and a good vibe on their visit to any country, the two, dinned at one of the island's renowned restaurants, La Guarida where they savoured Cuban creole favourites - fish, chicken, black beans and rice. 

La Guarida, is described as one of the island's most special restaurants, where dinners live an adventure among the memories and the presence of fiction and Cuban historical characters as they dine. The restaurant, which is privately owned is located in Havana, the country's capital and is also famous for the filming location for the hit movie 'Strawberry and Chocolate'.

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It was reported that the couple also toured the colonial Old Havana, which is the city-center and is said to contain the core of the original city of Havana.


After their tour of parts of the island, the couple both popped in at another local restaurant, which boasts a rooftop terrace with a view of harbour for lunch.


On her sight-sighting in the old capital, Beyonce was spotted in a Zebra printed top and matching skirt with a a Giraffe Walk Jaipur Tie Woven Flats. We absolutely loved Beyonce's outfit!


Source: Fashion Bomb DailyHuffingpost Celebrity

Wednesday, April 03, 2013

Explore Some of Our Favourite Travel and Lifestyle Blogs

In our feature with Style and Vibes for Caribbean Blogger Spotlight, we were asked to share some of our favourite blogs, and to be honest we have quite a few - but we thought why not share some of our favourite travel and lifestyle blogs that inspires us to live life beyond all limits and that encourages to make life worthwhile.

We are suckers for great reads - not to mention great travel and lifestyle blogs that inspires. So let's get the ball rolling ...

Song of Style: is such a perfect blog in our eyes. When Song of Style curator, Aimee Song isn't hitting up international fashion shows or inspiring us with her style - she is sharing her recent travel experiences, where she dined plus all that makes the life of eating, exploring and living a bit more exciting and intriguing than the norm. 
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Refinery 29: is our 'love button' - we stalk this blog almost every day. Puzzled about what to wear to that upcoming event or where to get to shop for the latest travel essentials, Refinery29 gives readers everywhere the deets. Refinery29 might be a great source for getting the 100 on the latest in fashion - but on how to make life worthwhile - they have you covered too! 

Sand and Stilettos: we discovered this blog sometime last year and has been glued ever since. Honestly, we think Sand and Stilettos sells the Dutch Caribbean to travel lovers and others perfectly. Thinking about venturing off to Aruba, St Maarten or Curacao? Make Sand and Stilettos your #1 source - they provide great tips! 

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She Finds: this is one of our ultimate favourite blogs. It is too perfect beyond words - love fashion, travel and lifestyle related content? Then this blog will make you as happy as us! Get tips on how to pack for a long weekend with the girls or what to wear for a music festival - they bring it all.

Inside Journeys: like us, Marcia of Inside Journeys seeks to explore her own county, Jamaica and the wider Caribbean and is open to seeing the Caribbean for more than what everyone else sees on the surface. Inside Journeys takes you on trip, brings you the newest discoveries and leaves you wanting more - from travel tips, cultural experiences to the wildest discoveries. Inside Journeys breaths fresh life needed to make our days more worthwhile.

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Uncommon Caribbean: experience the uncommon things about the Caribbean with Uncommon Caribbean. With Uncommon Caribbean, we guarantee you will make new discoveries and will want to leave your laptop to start packing for your next trip to the islands - this blog brings something new every time - even uncommon buys too! 

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and lastly, but surely not least in our hearts ...
Lip Service - The Diane von Fürstenberg Blog: get a sneak peek of what is coming next in DVF upcoming collection, her must-haves for travelling plus what's on her playlist with Lip Service. Are you about that luxurious lifestyle? Lip Service, helps you to experience it all - fashion and style favourites, great eats, travel reads plus a host more of greatness.
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Now that we have shared some of our favourites - feel free to share if some of our favourite blogs is your favourites too! Didn't spot yours here, we'd love to know some of your favourite travel and lifestyle blog reads. 




Monday, April 01, 2013

Our Island People: Travel + Lifestyle with Anita Chin

Meet Anita Chin, the Kingston girl who enjoys cooking up a storm! She's brilliant  she's focused but most of all she loves food as much as we do.

Growing up, Anita was the typical child who didn't like 'healthy food', until her parents took her to an Italian restaurant, Rafael’s  (which is now closed), where she ordered fettuccine alfredo with chicken. She shared that she remembered it like it was yesterday and expressed that it was the most amazing dish she ever tasted. Since then she has been recreating dishes that inspires her. And also shares that she loves hearty pasta dishes from Italian cuisine, the intricate techniques from French cuisine, but there is nothing that can compares to Jamaican cuisine.

Anita Chin may be young, but she knows what she wants - she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management Studies and Marketing from the University of the West Indies and also a diploma from Le Cordon Bleu in Florida. 

For her, a meal isn’t just the food on the palate and shared that it is actually a chance for her to embrace another culture around the world, understanding its history and people. 

In our Island People feature, get to know more about the Le Cordon Bleu chef's favourite foods, her favourite food joints in Jamaica, her biggest travel pet peeve plus all that and more about her travel and lifestyle.

What is the best thing about Jamaica for you? The best thing about Jamaica is the people and the food. There is nothing like a warm Jamaican smile to brighten your day from a random stranger.

What do you miss the most when not at home in Jamaica/the Caribbean? What I miss most when I’m not home in Jamaica is the warmth all year round and the food.

Favourite Jamaican/Caribbean food? Jerk Pork

Where is your favourite food joint in Jamaica? My favourite food joint is Epic Eats by Christian Sweeney.

Ackee and Saltfish or Jerked Chicken? Jerk Chicken

My favourite hangout spot in Jamaica is Mahogany Tree Bar, Devon House

Favourite thing to do on the weekend when home in Jamaica is relax and cook a few dishes at home.


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Martinique
Which Caribbean island would you love to travel to and why? Martinique. I went there on a short trip and loved the culture and the food.

Favourite travel destination Miami, Florida

Last place travelled San Francisco, California

Favourite vacation of all time was Easter weekend in 2012, Ocho Rios

Portland or Montego Bay, which of these parishes is your ideal place for a vacation? Portland

Beach or hiking? Beach

What is your biggest travelling pet peeve? My biggest travel pet peeve is the long security lines.

What are your travel essentials?  My neck pillow

What's on your playlist when travelling? A mix of genres including soca

Jeans or Dress, when travelling? Jeans

Magazines or Music, when travelling? Magazines

What is the wildest thing on your bucket list?  I don't have a wild thing on my bucket list, but I would like to impress a Michelin Chef with my food.

Would you rather a printed-coloured suitcase or solid black suitcase when travelling? Solid black suitcase

We hope enjoyed this month's 'Our Island People - Travel and Lifestyle' post and feel free to tell us who you would like to see featured here. Also, look out for more fantastic features with our superb Caribbean people coming this year. We welcome all suggestions, so just feel free to drop us an email at eat.explore.live@gmail.com.

To stay connected to Anita, FOLLOW her on Twitter





Sunday, March 31, 2013

Our Feature on Style and Vibes

We were honoured when Mikelah of Style and Vibes sent us an email with an interest in featuring us on her blog for the special feature Caribbean Blogger Spotlight

Style and Vibes is one of our favourite blogs which we discovered almost a year ago and we absolutely love their content, so when Mikelah reached out to us - we had to say yes to her request.

In this feature, you will get to know the creator behind EatExploreLive, the inspiration to start the blog, our favourite blogs to read plus what's next for us. Check out our feature here 


What do you think about our feature on Style and Vibes? We'd love to hear what you think - so feel free to leave your comments in the box below.