Happy New Year to all my CamilleCares readers and cooks/chefs!  We did it, we made it to 2010 without blowing up the world.  Thank God!

There are tons of excitement surrounding the new year and new decade.  Well, here at CamilleCares we too want to know about your new year resolutions and goals.

I would like to share my goal with you all today and also use this post to discuss something other than food or cooking on my blog. Don’t worry I will be right back with new photos and food in 2010! 

My goal for 2010 is to be closer to all members of my family.  If you think about it, a family spans a huge web.  When I was younger I always thought my family was smaller than most people I knew.  I wondered why and knew that there had to be a reason.  As all adults know, the older we get the easier it is to deal with surprises and newly reunited and re-acquainted family members.  To accomplish my goal, I have decided that I need to take steps to put together my family puzzle and fill in the blanks on who married who, who birthed who and who did or did not leave the country and for what reasons? 

The first step in this process is to travel back to my homeland of Trinidad and Tobago in 2010!  I must return to the source to get my questions answered.   I am so excited I could be on cloud nine!  This is huge for me, because I have not returned to my beautiful homeland in over twenty years. 

If you don’t know Trinidad is home of the largest, most traveled and sought out carnival celebrations in the world.  Brazil is great, but there’s nothing like the diversity and love of Trinidad’s people, culture and country!

But before we get on that plane for Trinidad, we must make a “Check-Off List” to ensure we have everything we need before we land in the country of Oil & Music

I will share a few secrets with you for your Check Off List:

1. You must book an airline ticket to Port of Spain, Trinidad Piarco International Airport.  At this point, tickets are easily priced above $1,000.00US, however if you are lucky enough to spot something cheaper, BUY IT!

2. If you have friends or family in Trinidad, this is the best time to plan a visit and stay with your family.  The best accommodations come from those with family and friends.  However, if you are like me and don’t have many options, then you will be couch surfing or paying the big bucks to stay at one of the varied hotels, bed n breakfasts, or private rental homes. 

3. The main attraction in Trinidad in February is Carnival (J’ouvert, Carnival Monday & Tuesday) and I bet you want to “play mas” or you have heard about this “mas”.  Well, look no further you can get involved, all you have to do is know the right people to get you a beautiful costume.  Costumes are worn by “masquerades” in the carnival band.  All bands are comprised of different sections, which are identified by their unique and elaborate costume designs.  There is fun for everyone, both men and women, so be creative and splurge for your chance to enjoy the biggest party on the planet that takes place in Trinidad.

4. Make-up, Hair, Accessories are the icing on the cake when it comes to carnival.  The more elaborate the better, since you will be dolled up in your costume and in need of extra flare that will keep all your masquerades wondering where did you get that make-up done or those beautiful bracelets and anklets? 

5. The one most overlooked item, but really is the key and secret to enjoying Trinidad is the smart footwear choice.  For most, the choice in footwear is what keeps you from loving or hating the carnival experience.  Others will say being inebriated takes away all discomfort.  But take it from a true Trinidadian.  Your feet are the most important thing on your body, besides your heart, and we already know you heart is in the right place, because you already booked your ticket to travel to one of the most beautiful places in the world.  But what about your feet? I strongly suggest traveling with your most comfy and broken in boots or sneakers for carnival.  The island is warm and has different terrain, but sneakers and sandals are common footwear for everyday walking. 

6. Exercise and Nutrition are the key components to getting your body looking its best for the carnival costume and for the best vacation you have ever taken.  I suggest cutting back on the amount of sweets, alcohol and fat intake paired with a simple workout before you make the trip, in an effort to combat the carnival fever intake

7. So you are in Trinidad a few days before carnival and you heard of all the major all-inclusive parties that take place all over the island, but are not sure where to find the tickets, I bet the first problem is you are asking about “parties”.  In Trinidad, all parties are referred to as Fetes, which is basically a short word for festival.  During the carnival season, there are hundreds of fetes taking place.  The festivities commence on Boxing Day(December 26th) and continue until carnival Sunday.  Some are inclusive(food and drink included), some have tickets, others have debit card like tickets, some you have to pay cash bar and the list goes on.  My advice on all fetes is that you know the location, the entry details and the hosts or promoters before purchasing a ticket.  Fetes during carnival are known to be pricey, so if you do choose to spend to be in the hottest carnival parties, make sure you get your money’s worth and as we say “Have a time!”

See you in the land of Oil and Music. 

~”I out on the road, I’m here with my friends, if you looking for me….

Hello my beautiful readers. How are you doing? Hope your day is going on the better side of well and you are feeling optimistic about most things life has presented to you today. I join you in this blog dimension of time with greetings of love and celebration. We should celebrate making it through the month of February. Goodness! I can not speak for everyone but I believe February is the hardest working month. Especially for those in the sales, its the shortest month even though thank you know who it was a leap year, so we got an extra day. Wheew, but I am just happy to say February is over. Who’s with me?

Onward to March. Today is a new day and we are embarking on a new leaf. A new leaf for CamillesCares production. We haven recently come across the pleasure of a spanking hot artist director. Identity chooses to be anonymous, so they will go by TKeys. Welcome TKeys to CamilleCares, your artistic direction came at the right time. Onward 2008.

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Birthday Shout-Outs