The Local Blogger

SS: Vest

2012-09-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

SS: Joey G.

2012-09-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

“We don’t all see the world the same. The world could be imagined, could be real, you don’t know – but there’s something magical in that, and you have to make that imaginative leap.” -Petit

2012-09-14T11:19:00.001-07:00

Yesterday evening, I had the pleasure of attending the opening of an art exhibit by one of Nassau's artists, Jackson Petit. Since my arrival to New Providence, and having already seen an earlier group exhibition showcasing the work of Popop Studios' veteran artists, I heavily anticipated this one. The idea of attending a solo exhibition -one where I could focus on the creations of a single artist- offered a different, yet equally present feeling of anticipation just as I had experienced with previous group exhibitions. Needless to say, The Surface Beneath is a wonderful demonstration of aesthetically pleasing and intricate art.

This exhibit was award to Petit after winning the 2011 Central Bank of The Bahamas' 28th Annual Art Cometition in the Open/Senior category. Here is his winning piece, entitled Beautiful Monsters. Petit's work is being showed now until the 28th of this month at Central Bank of The Bahamas, Nassau, Bahamas.

Peaceful Vision / Acrylic on canvas

Rootsy | Mystical Woman / Acrylic on canvas

SS: Juno, On Campus

2012-09-13T19:28:00.000-07:00

SS: Joey G.

2012-09-10T14:23:00.001-07:00

Quite possibly the most stylish professor on this island.

Meet Jay.

2012-08-15T21:04:00.001-07:00

It's been about a week since I arrived to New Providence and already I absolutely love it here! In fact, I'm positive that during the next eighteen months, I will have completely changed my mind about returning to Grand Bahama. Like I had anticipated, my first few days here were spent partying until I couldn't party anymore (too much partying to bring along and keep hold of my camera so, unfortunately, my adventures were not photographed)! However, I have become quite familiar with crazy Nassau city and have discovered a few spots that I'd love to share with you guys later on.

Today, though, there was a lot less going on on my agenda. After spending most of my day doing nothing to better my life, I arranged to meet with a well known photographer here in Nassau and good friend of mine, Jay Arie. We were both extremely excited to finally get together and had a great time catching up. No doubt, there will be more of Jay to come here on TLB!

Meanwhile...
Next week, the Fall semester begins at C.O.B. and I'm super excited! I had a chance to visit and become familiar with the campus earlier this week. Actually, I was amazed at it all. The size, the architecture and the environment was a big change from the campus back in Freeport. I like change.

Scott Schuman's having a contest! If you're a fan of his and you like giveaways, you may want to check this out!

2012-08-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already heard by now, Scott Schuman over at The Sartorialist is hosting a contest with an awesome giveaway! After publishing his first book back in 2009, he's "almost ready to ship" his second -The Sartorialist: Closer. With my mention of the upcoming release, you've probably guessed what the prize is... a signed copy of your very own!

So, you interested? HERE'S what you need to do to enter.

As for me, "What was I thinking??"

I was always a fan of Liz Claiborne, even as a youngster who's body was nowhere near developed enough to ft into the woman's brand wear. Still, I was very drawn to the line of clothing. I thought it could be quite mature and pretty. Some time ago, I came across this very long, cream linen skirt that, at the time, I admired so much! I really liked how thin the waist band was and the installment of pleats about a quarter of the way down the 43 inch skirt seemed just right to me. It had four pockets: two on the sides and another two which buttoned close on the backside. How lovely, I thought. However, with all my reasons for liking the skirt, there was one that prohibited me from wearing it. It was a size 4. I wore (and still do) a size 0. Sure, I could have opted to get it tailored down to fit me, but strangely, I preferred the skirt just the way it was. There was just something that I didn't agree with about having it altered, even if it meant I could wear it.

And so, I never did. It's been sitting in my closet, happily collecting dust and days soon to be gotten rid of.

xo
TLB

New Providence bound.

2012-07-24T16:00:00.000-07:00

In The Bahamas, hopping from one island to the next is fairly straightforward as you could imagine. Grand Bahama (where I live) is a little over 100 miles north of the island of New Providence where I'll very soon be living. No, I'm not in search of any sort of change scenery nor did I receive some sort of unexpected calling. I'm actually being forced to move there. Well, not "forced" as in any hostile, life-threatening manner, but "forced" as in 'I need to move there if I want to finish my college studies for my art degree.' Currently, New Providence is the only island in the country where the art courses of The College of The Bahamas are available and while some students find the move to be a huge inconvenience, others (including myself) don't mind so much. Moving to NP, where the appreciation and enthusiasm for art and culture is more prominent than it is here in Freeport, should be a pleasant change for me.

Despite my earlier statement about the ease of traveling from island to island, I can count the number of times I ~~have~~ can recall visiting New Providence ...on one hand. Since the majority of those times I have visited was when I was a child; completely unaware of the island and it's cities, there was never a chance for me to consider the opportunities that come with living there. Nassau, being the capital of this glorious archipelago, is naturally more fast paced than the other islands. There are tons more people (and traffic) and a need to be that much more aware of your surroundings. I was told, though, that once you get use to the hustle and bustle the place isn't all that bad, even for someone from Freeport.

And so, I'm waiting patiently to get there. I've got a less than two weeks to wait after which, I've got an additional two weeks to get settle in before the semester begins. In all my readiness, the realization of leaving home to start your own life (or, at least, college life) has finally kicked in for me. Thought I'm not looking forward to being homesick, I'm excited --excited about the wonderful art courses I will be taking, the interesting people I will meet and reconnect with, and the opportunity!

ox
TLB

Where did the time go?!

2012-06-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

Okay, my unofficial hiatus is over as of today! Realizing that it's been months since my last post is rather unsettling and, so, I've been spending the last few hours catching up on what been going on in the world of blogging. I see Garance is up to #15 with her Weekend Inspirations and I'm only just found the time to watch her Cannes edition of Pardon My French! The Sartorialist is in Loewe, Madrid for the opening of his exhibition (how exciting!), and Aarean at The Color Issue is giving away cash!

Oh my, what got into me??

Whatever it was, it's gone now and I'm on my way back to weekly blogging! Of course, there's someone I'd like to thank for (this may sound terrible...) reminding me that I have a blog to tend to! She's an adorable New Yorker who's looking to take on street style photography. Her excitement and eagerness for not only blogging, but my work particularly, was all it took to get me back into blogging mode. Go ahead, why don't you give her blog a visit! // kittysayword

And speaking of street style; Kitty suggested I give it a try myself! I thought, 'Why not?' Naturally, though, I figured walking up to a stranger and asking to take their photo would be one of the most nerve wrecking things ever. So, I sought a bit of guidance from my favorite street fashion photography icons:

ox
TLB

Pinterest!

2012-03-31T08:16:00.002-07:00

Okay... so, I finally made up my mind to get one of these. Initially, the whole "wait to be invited" thing was a major turn off because when I saw the website, I wanted to jump right into "pinning". However, I eventually accepted having to wait and somewhat excited to be the confirmation sitting in my inbox (I had forgotten that I had even signed up for it in the first place).

Now, though, I must say that the wait wasn't so bad. I absolutely love the pinning experience and seeing what people around the world have to share with others is inspiring. Here's my profile there: /kinalillet

Happy pinning!
TLB

Fab Finds... des femmes

2012-03-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Gift of New Perspectives

2012-02-27T10:16:00.187-08:00

This weekend, which was also mid-term break for us college folk, I had the pleasure of experiencing good ole Freeport with an interesting French twist. I was invited by my french professor to accompany her and a friend who was visiting from France to some weekend activities. Naturally, I was thrilled at the idea! I've always admired French culture -its people, food, music, tradition, language...- so the thought of experiencing it (despite being hundreds of miles away from the country) was a lovely prospect. All in all, I had a fantastic time. I learned a lot about myself and my country, and now possess an even great love and appreciation for French culture.

What characters, these two! Paul, the older of the two, and Jules, the timid younger brother, were so much fun to be with! Though, at first, I must admit that I was worried that communication between the two and I would prove to be a disaster since they knew very little English and I'm not as fluent in French as I would like to be. However, after a few dozen mid-conversation interruptions (to double check translations with my professor), communicating with one another became increasingly less difficult.

Chocolate mousse! That was the first to-do of our day's activities and the entire time, I was in awe. I remember thinking, "Wow, this should be interesting!" Sure enough, we made good fun out of preparing the delicate dessert.
You would think I had never seen people prepare a meal, but there was something extra -something so foreign, yet authentic- about watching Jules and Paul work in the kitchen with their mother. The way they communicated; their movements and expressions, and the smells and sounds that filled the kitchen were ideal.
Unfortunately, we couldn't contain ourselves and ate it all once it was done (about six hours later). I didn't have a chance to photograph it!

After our little cooking class, we went down to one of the local beaches. Williams Town beach was our choice. Me, being a local, anyone would presume that I go to the beach all day, everyday. Eh... not exactly. To be honest, this was the first time in a long time I spent a day at the beach (and actually went in the ocean.)

It was a good day.

Monthly Faves: February

2012-02-25T14:40:00.011-08:00

Here's another one from my mom's "collection". I believe it's the only eel skin accessory I've ever had. Still, the bag is fantastic: it's soft and stretchier than I thought it would be, initially. Plus, it comes with a matching coin purse and wallet.

At one point or another, there are those songs that I call "my songs"; those ones that keep me in sync with myself despite everything else that's going on around me. Recently, I was introduced to a song by a friend who's well acquainted with one of the members of the band that performs it. I think it's safe to say that Love Rescue Me by Royal Radio can officially be added to that list of "my songs"

Meanwhile...Pardon My French by the lovely Garance D.

Spring Colours!

This iPhone case is simple and cute!

une photo

Snapshot... Jenny, College of the Bahamas

2012-02-01T00:00:00.003-08:00

Sometime ago, I remember walking into a local convenient store in search of my weekly chocolate patty fix when I noticed the cover of the new issue of Nu Woman Magazine on display. "Oh look! It's Jenny", I said (more to myself than anyone else).

Yesterday, I was happy to run into her after french class. It's always a delight to see her around campus. Isn't she just adorable?

Health Nuts

2012-01-31T11:34:00.001-08:00

Since college now takes up about 90% of my life, and with the constant moving up and down throughout the week, I rarely get the opportunity to enjoy a good, healthy meal. Unfortunately, the tuck shops here on campus don't serve the heartiest of foods to eat, and so the temptation to snack on chips, cookies, instant noodles etc. is often easy to give into. Personally, I'm not very concerned about weight gain or counting carbs and all that stuff (it takes away the ability to enjoy good food) however, it is important to give your body that extra boost every once in a while.

Even when I'm not able to have a nice hot meal throughout the day, snacking on things like nuts and fruit (and drinking lots of water) do help me stay going.

Meanwhile....

$23
Smoothies!
Ever wanted to do something cool with an empty one gallon bottle

Sundays on the beach are a novelty. It's always nice to take time off from everything and "de-stress" yourself.

2011-11-25T20:00:00.001-08:00

While winter's chilling climate has settled in over other northern countries, here in The Bahamas the cold has yet to take it's toll. Last week seemed the perfect time to visit one of the local beaches here in Freeport, and Taryn, Francine and I were more that happy to spend our afternoon there.

The beaches here are truly a gift. There's really no substitute for this natural stress reliever. The big city and countryside have their perks as well, but there's no beating this imoo.

I remember growing up, when my family and I would go to the beach, the adults seldom needed to worry about one of us drowning or being carried out to sea because of the low tide that stretched out a few hundred yards. Still, we still weren't allowed to go in the water without a partner, we could only go so far out, and (this one's my favorite) we had to wait forty minutes after eating before we went swimming.

Now, the beach, and all its wonders, is ours. Free to enjoy, resriction-free. ,

Meanwhile

What a lovely dress

Pretty refrigerators! (Thanks to Joanna G. at A CUP OF JO for the link)

And who doesn't like gnomes?

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T11:34:00.000-08:00

I hope you all are having a marvelous Thanksgiving! This was always one of the most memorable holidays growing up as a child in my grandmother's house. Each Thanksgiving, my entire family would meet at my grandmother's house to, well... eat. The amount of food that was brought into that house could feed an army. Yet my grandmother, her seven children, their children and one or two great-grand managed to finish it all by the next morning (unlike Christmas dinners where leftovers could last for weeks).

However, Thanksgiving has become much more to me than just "turkey time". Despite preaching of the importance of this holiday throughout the years (which went in one my little ear and out the next), I don't think I've ever realized the significance of today until I rolled out of bed this morning. I'm not sure if it was the recent moving away of a woman I admire deeply, the temporary absence of him or simply, the grace of God that lead me to the realization that I have everything to be thankful for.

How significant is this holiday to you? Is it just "that time of year" for you, or do you take the time to re-evaluate your life and recognize the things that you simple can not live without?

Happy Thanksgiving, guys!

Snapshot... Juno, On Campus

2011-11-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

Snapshot... Balao Rd., Freeport

2011-11-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

A Lovely Gift

2011-11-06T15:31:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't like surprises or gifts... or surprise gifts? Yesterday Michael, a good friend of mine, surprised me with these two lovelies. I still have a long way to go before my bracelet is filled with charms, but I'd rather not purchase all one time. I like the idea of each charm having a story behind it (whether a gift or not) and so, my bracelet itself will hold significant meaning.

Meanwhile... (if you haven't heard already), Susan G. Komen has partnered with Pandora for a great cause.

This song is amazing! I've been listening to it none-stop.

Burning Lungs by *bittersweetvenom

Happy 1st of November

2011-11-01T07:01:00.000-07:00

Did you enjoy your Halloween? Well, I surely would have if I have known that yesterday, the 31st of October, was, in fact, Halloween. Yes, you heard me: I honestly had no idea yesterday was Halloween (up until I looked at the date on the toolbar of my laptop yesterday evening)!

I knew there had to be a reason I had been craving chocolates and other treats the entire day! I'd like to think that my body has become accustomed to the sharp intake of sugar around this time of the year and, perhaps, was trying to let me know that it was that time of year again.

I know, you're probably wondering how, with all the recent buzz about the popular festivity, did I completely miss out on it. The truth is, I have no clue. I typically don't participate in the "dress up and party like you don't have to wake up the next morning" thing (at least, on Halloween) so, naturally, I wouldn't share in the anticipation of those who look forward to doing just that. Perhaps it's the endless 'week-of' parties and events that made Halloween seem more like an entire week rather than one day that made me forget. Or maybe, it's the stresses of college finally taking it's toll on me.

Who knows! Hopefully, I have better luck with Christmas this year.

Snapshot... Trinard, College of the Bahamas

2011-10-27T19:33:00.000-07:00

Like Jalan, I've always considered Trinard one of C.O.B.'s fashion savvy. It's honestly, never a bore to see what outfit he wears each day and, while he isn't always sporting top Mr. Porter threads, he manages to put together comfortably stylish outfits.

The Boat Shoe

2011-10-19T21:02:00.000-07:00

It's a bit late in the season, but I've been seeing quite a few pairs of these trending. The boat shoe fits comfortably into men's fashion wear without completely blending in and the casual, sporty look of the shoe alone is enough to add just the right amount of class to any 'everyday attire'.

Here are a pair of my dad's. They're from JOFRÉ.

Snapshot... Juno, On Campus

2011-10-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

Monday afternoon I ran into Jalan on my way to my English class. I had been looking forward to seeing her after sneaking a peek at her new hair style on her Facebook profile. I thought her style was enough, but her new "do" just raised the bar.

Fab Finds... Straw Bags

2011-09-30T20:13:00.000-07:00

I visited the Market again today; the usual relaxed atmosphere had become much more busy and active with the arrivals of cruise ship passengers who were seeking to enjoy themselves for a few hours while on the island. However, I wasn't there for leisure, I was attending a graduation at the hotel's convention centre across the street from the Market. I did get a chance to venture over there once the ceremony had ended and came across these cute handbags.

I always liked straw work and found the intricate details in these crafts to be simply beautiful. The Market is littered with stalls and stores that sell things like these. It's always quite fun to shop around there.