What's on My Kindle Carousel/ What I'm reading now

For those of you that didn't already know I am a super nerd. I'm one of those persons who would be described as 'an avid reader'. When a new movie comes out I scour the internet to see if it was a book first and make sure to read the book before I watch the movie. And at the beginning and end of every season while everyone is moaning about the massive repeat episodes being aired on TV, I relish in them because it means I have extra time to read new books.

I go through at least three books in a week, so an e-reader is the best bet for me because there is no way my pocket can keep up with my reading habit. So when the Kindle Fire came out I became absolutely obsessed with it, and my husband, being the sweetheart that he is bought it for me as a Christmas present. Now, I do love the feel and smell of an actual book, but sentimentality aside, there is a whole world of books to explore with an e-reader. Purchasing individual books and going through them takes more time than swiping your finger across the screen and blazing through your e-reader. Plus, for those words I've forgotten the meaning of or didn't know it in the first place I can just select it and the dictionary defines it for me right there on the spot. In addition, quotes I fall in love with can be noted, and compiled with exact references in a single document stored on the kindle and its accompanying cloud as well. Brilliant right?! 

So now that I've sufficiently buttered you up...here's what I have in my carousel presently:

 Georgiana Darcy's Diary by Anna Elliot

If you adore Jane Austen and her book "Pride and Prejudice' or if you simply like historical/classic literature this is a very acceptable continuation of the story. She doesn't mar Austen's characters nor does she attempt to enhance them, she focuses instead on telling the tale of a character we all found interesting enough and felt enough sympathy towards in the book to want to know her story. I am about half way through and I like it so far. The language, the tone and the development are on par and I do believe Jane Austen would give her a nod of approval if she were alive today (yes, I know I am a book dork lol ).

     "Free to Die" by Bob McElwaine

I have never read from this author and generally I am hesitant to read supposedly thought-provoking books from male authors because they tend to lack planning, for want of a better word. Meaning that either the main character does so many things without thinking about it even though he regrets each decision he makes or, the book follows that of an action movie and takes place over the space of three days. Which is fine for a movie but for a book, not so much! lol. But this is a murder/mystery/thriller book where the lead gets accused of a murder he doesn't commit and goes on the run. It takes you through the risks he takes to prove that he isn't guilty despite how it may seem. 

   "UnEnchanted" by Chanda Hahn

Boy did I enjoy this book! And surprisingly too! I am not a fan of paranormal/magic books and from the blurb that advertised the book I didn't pick up on the fact that it was something that had to do with magic etc. Thankfully it wasn't werewolf/vampire - themed or I probably would not have finished it. It is a little young as it tells the tale of a very 'special' fifteen year old who just can't seem to control what goes on around her. If you want a review you can leave it in the comments and I will gladly do one. It was heartfelt, fast-paced and charming. And I definitely see myself getting the second book in the series as well. (Even though thanks to Sara Shepard I am really wary of series now. I cannot BELIEVE that woman stretched PLL out that long! And it KILLS me because once I am in, I have to know who the villain is and how they did it....grrrrrr!)

   "Between a Rock and a Mad Woman" by Stephanie Queen

This is alright so far. It follows the story of two political candidates running against each other for a state post (in the US) - one woman and one man who used to be engaged and who are not over each other and how they deal with that and their opposing passions to give the people what is good for them. I keep forgetting I am reading this just because it is building so awfully slow. If I end up liking it I will come back and amend this blurb. Till then....meh

   "That Summer" by Sarah Dessen

I first fell in love with this author when I read her book 'What happened to Goodbye' She did such a good job of identifying and wringing out the emotions of that character in such a short space of time. I respected this book for what it was and found it refreshingly unpretentious and without unnecessary frills. 

And there are other books but....they were finished on Sunday night so I don't think it would be fair to mention them here. What are you reading? Are you reading it on your kindle, on your computer or in hard copy? Let me know your suggestions for me to read next week!

Till later,

Jane 

Quick Tips for Fashion's Night Out!

Hey all!

It's here again and I know we can all feel the buzz in the air - whether it's the excitement of those who are just dying to crawl the walls or the tension of those not looking forward to face the traffic going home, FNO will be a very busy night tonight.

If you're anything like me, shopping in a crowd means having a plan. Here are my quick tips to get in and out and survive what could be the craziest night of shopping in Jamaica for 2012.

1. Evaluate: Look through your closet and write down what's missing. Do you need basics, or do you need more trendy pieces to update your wardrobe?
2. Prioritize: You don't need to get everything all at once. Look at your calendar and buy the pieces you want to wear/have tonight. There will be time to get pieces for next year summer another time!
3. Budget: Look at how much money you actually have to spend currently and then how much you are willing to spend - and use whichever is the lesser amount. Keep a reserve of money on a card if you see a piece you have been eyeing for a long time for a really good price or if you think you'll run into something you need but forgot to write down
4. Small Change: You don't want to be that person holding up the line because the cashier has no change. Manageable bills, some $100s,$500s will be useful
5. Comfortable, closed toe-shoes: dirt, grime and people stepping on your toes is no fun. 
6. Tote it: carry your own shopping bag. Leave your handbag/purse at home so your hands are free and dump your items into one/two of your own shopping bags so it's easy to carry
7. Slip on, Slip off: sundresses or leggings and slouchy one shoulder shirts are easy to slip on and off in a changing room. If you're a pro a fitted tank top and fitted bottoms are ideal for trying on clothes right in the store w/o lining up for the changing rooms
8. Fuel: carry a snack that you can easily eat on the go so you don't get cranky
9. Map it out: Go online and find out which pieces sales will affect and map out where you are most likely to find the biggest discounts on the pieces you want. Then list according to priority, that way you don't get sidetracked
10. Buddy up: shop with a friend or two who is as intent on buying as you are but who respects your space. If you're heading out solo snap a pic of yourself in the piece you're buying and if you like what you see in the picture buy it. No need to ask a random stranger and draw attention to the fact that you're alone. 

Bonus tip: Arrange a haul party with your friends and swap items you may have 'buyers regret' over. Maybe that top isn't as flattering as you thought or those shoes are too high for you to walk in. Going over your purchases with your friends may also put some change in your pocket. If you have second thoughts about an item a friend may just buy it from you.

 (DIY Money Pocket : Divide your cash into equal portions and hide in different places on your body to make yourself less of a target for robberies using a simple do-it-yourself money pocket. Fold money and wrap in cling wrap/paper/ziplock and attach using a safety pin to the inside of your waistband/ bag where 

That's it!!
Till later,
Jane

DIY Anti-Acne Mask

Here it is folks! Another DIY because you've asked for it. This one is for the ladies and the fellas, because acne can't seem to pick a favourite. It would seem to me though that we have cramps, bloating and do the child birth thing so acne could really have been reserved for the fellas right? No? Okay, well here is something that even the least domesticated among us can whip up in an instant.

Disclaimer: I am not a dermatologist nor do I claim to be. I am not saying that this mask is the answer to all your acne problems. I am simply letting you know what I have done and how I do it. If you have a problem with acne please go and see a dermatologist. Skin problems may just be surface problems or they may be deeper. This idea is just that, an idea, nothing else. Thanks!

Ingredients

Baking Soda (NOT baking powder - this will burn you like none other!)

Water

Rose water (if you like) *found at pharmacies/supermarkets*

Yoghurt/Milk (if you like)

Cucumber/ Apples (if you like).

Method

1. In a small, clean bowl mix one part baking soda to two parts water. You are making a paste so ensure that the mixture is creamy not runny. 
2. Refrigerate for ten minutes, apply to clean damp skin with fingers and let sit for five-ten minutes then rinse with lukewarm water
3. Use once every two weeks or as often as needed but never more than three times for the week.

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OR

                       

Anti-Acne and Soothing Mask

1. Follow step 1 above but switch 1 part of water with one part rose water or milk or yoghurt (plain yoghurt or milk only)
2. Mash or blend an apple or a cucumber and fold into the mixture
3. Follow steps 2-3 as above

If you have sensitive skin I would implore you to leave this DIY mask for those with regular skin as the baking soda may sting or irritate your skin. As always, be sure to moisturize after you rinse off the mask, and don't rub, pat dry. I have friends who also use this as a spot treatment for a lone or a few pimple/s every now and then to dry it out. The mask should also fade acne marks lightly but PLEASE do not use this in an effort to bleach your skin! Black is BEAUTIFUL!

Thanks for reading! Comments make me happy!

Till later,

Jane

My Jamaica - Jamaica 50th

I wrote an essay for our 50th Celebrations as a country and I thought I would share it here and hope that it inspires as much as it did when I wrote it. We complain a lot about what we have not achieved as a country but we also need to reflect on what we love about our country and why we love being Jamaican. Writing this reminded me of that....

Stunning landscape, lush greenery and sparkling rivers, waterfalls and beaches- Jamaica is a picturesque example of beauty. It is our people however, proud and headstrong yet tender and playful, that will always make Jamaica mean love to me.

Jamaica is many things – sunshine and beauty and a people with raucous laughs ever ready for a joke, ever ready for the opportunity to spread some joy. We are a people of glowing skin, smiling lips and ‘wanga’ bellies basking in a land wood and water. Jamaica means home to me, it means joy and comfort and awe-inspiring beauty.  Small as we are, we can boast diverse experiences in our three counties. Travel to Cornwall and walk through the town of Montego Bay where strangers on the street greet you with a smile and a hello; in Middlesex, quaint towns amaze you with their greenery and old-time hospitality of grandmothers and grandfathers who know every home-made remedy for any ailment you could possibly have and; Surrey- where even the streets rock to and fro with the pulsating rhythms emanating from every corner.

We are fiercely proud of our heritage because it points directly to the strength of our people. We are headstrong because we know that if we work hard enough we will achieve. We cling lovingly to every story of success of our fellow Jamaicans both home and abroad for the opportunity to boast about how talented we are. Women boast of their children’s feats daily and we are quick to identify any connection we may have to someone who has worked hard and been successful – despite the fact that they may just be our neighbour’s cousin’s best friend’s brother.

Yes we are a proud people, but we are also a people who chase happiness and who can’t help but spread our joy. I love the fact that at any given moment if I listen hard enough I can hear someone somewhere laughing. We pride ourselves at deriving wisdom from the tales of Anancy’s mischief or misfortunes. We enjoy playing tricks on each other, teasing each other and sharing both our setbacks and our successes.

As Jamaicans we love each other’s company and we are always looking for a reason to get together to fellowship or to just lyme. Laughter and sunshine inspire music and dance and we are always singing, always skipping or dancing along to some beat. This is why even small children are quick to whistle a tune or clap or knock some wood to produce some sound. Music inspires and lifts our spirits. Our music invigorates us and unites us. Everyone who can remember when we qualified for the Fifa World Cup in 1998 how that single song meant so much to every Jamaican. It stood as a symbol of pride and motivation and a reminder that though small, we had a contribution and an impact to make on the world.

We know the struggles we face, and so as a people we are quick to share with each other. Everyone has a story to tell of a time when ‘boat did run’. Nothing is sweeter to a Jamaican than a home-cooked meal shared with friends and family. Indeed, ‘One one coco full basket’ and when the last plate is cleared, there can be no doubt that every belly present would have been filled. In Jamaica, giving back is a part of our success story, and we will often hear stories of persons who can, ‘sponsoring’ or assisting persons in need. Indeed, a person will not be lauded for their achievements until they use it to positively impact a fellow Jamaican.

As Jamaicans, passion is in our blood. We are expressive and emotive and demand attention. We insist on being heard and we know we have a right to express our opinions and we often do, even when we are not asked. We are proud of our right to free speech and when we believe something we fiercely defend it. We believe in promises made to us, we trust in those who have leadership over us, and we expect that systems put in place will work for us rather than against us. A chance to express oneself is golden and even from childhood we are seen scrambling for the opportunity to say our piece. Great orators are treasured because words mean so much to us in Jamaica. We pull strength from the words of our greatest leaders like our National Heroes and esteemed public figures, these words that have, and that will inspire Jamaicans for many years to come.

Most of all Jamaica means to me that I will always have someone who will care, no matter what. You can’t walk down the street anywhere in Jamaica with a frown without someone telling you to ‘fix yuh face’ or ‘smile nuh’. We want to see each other happy and we want to see each other thrive. Achieve an accomplishment and persons who you’ve maybe only said hello to in passing will congratulate you and perhaps even give you a hug. It hurts us to hear of the plight of our fellow Jamaicans, and a genuine cry for help is more often than not met with success. It is often joked that in Jamaica ‘everybody a lawya’ because even without asking someone will speak up on your behalf.

We are an island country, but a Jamaican will never stand alone. We love being a part of this nation, and this love manifests itself in the familiarity with which we treat each other when we are away from home, because we know that no matter where we go, no Jamaican stands alone. We are after all, ‘Out of Many, One People’.

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This website and its content is copyright of J Williams - © janekoysen 2012. All rights reserved.

Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form is prohibited other than the following:

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You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content. Nor may you transmit it or store it in any other website or other form of electronic retrieval system.

Thanks for reading!

Till later,

Jane

Post-Workout HairCare - Relaxed Hair

 

Sweaty, limp,wet and lifeless- that's pretty much how I would describe my hair after a really good workout. As a relaxed hair gal, this pretty much leads to trashy wavy hair the next day if I leave it be, which since we are striving to be put together, is not what we want. Right? Yes, I'm giving you more work to do at the end of your day. Ten minutes though-I promise that's all it takes.

Blame my friend Leah who asked me to write a post on what I do so my hair looks decent the day after a good workout *shout out to Leah!!* since I am not the 'I wash my hair after a workout girl'. So here are my tips for hair with body sans that funky sweaty smell after a workout.

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There are a couple things I do pre-workout to help my locks retain their natural oils, and keep the ends away from salty sweat. (Salt in any kind is not good for your hair because it dehydrates it. This is why they tell you going to the beach is bad for your hair but excellent for your skin). 

1. Always always always tie your hair up and get it out of your face and off your neck. Before I chopped off my hair (pics coming soon when I learn to stop hating the short cut), my favourite way to do this was to coil my hair into a ballerina bun and use a small headband or bobby pins to keep my layers at bay. A pony tail works just fine but if you when you put it up the ends brush against your neck you will need to loop your ends up as well so they don't become trashy. Make sure that the bun or ponytail is on the looser side so you allow air to pass throw at the scalp; otherwise you're gonna be stuck with the scent of sweat on your scalp until you wash it.
2. If you know your hair is going to get soaked no matter what you do, then spray the ends (not the scalp!) with a leave in conditioner and loop under. I don't use sweat bands because I like my hair with body and bounce and I don't normally go for flat styles but if you prefer a flat iron to a curling iron then a sweat band might be your friend. There is a lot of buzz about a product called saveyourdo that may be useful for those who shun volume. The Conditioner on the ends of your hair will keep trashiness at bay while the heat your body produces from the workout will act like a steam and provide the extra moisture your hair needs while you sweat. 

Remember that you also sweat inside your hair and whatever products you've put into your hair needs to be safe for your skin as well or you will find yourself breaking out more. Sweaty hair is not a reason to avoid a work out and being healthy; just know that getting dirty means making time to clean up.

Post Workout Dos & Don'ts

DO:

If it's a weekday and I know I am not washing my hair the next morning or that night, as soon as my workout is over I lay a thin cotton towel over my shoulders and loosen my hair so that my scalp can dry and my locks can get a chance to air out. 

DONT:

The absolute very last thing you want to do is to wrap your when it is wet with sweat. This will stink for days to come and you will regret

DO:

When you've showered and cleaned up and your hair is fairly dry, take some oil and gently apply to the very ends of the hair.

DONT:

Do not douse your head with a mositurizer, perfume or any other product as this may clog the pores on your scalp, making it retain smell, the sweat that may still be trapped there and later on produce excess oil

DO:

Turn on your blow dryer to the cool setting and finger dry your hair for about 20 mins or until it feels completely dry. This helps eliminate any smell, dries the scalp further and re-straightens the shaft as well as smooths it. (My hair immediately gets wavy if I allow it to completely dry after it gets wet, doing this keeps frizz at bay as well as helps to distribute the oils you applied to the end in a manageable way). This is the perfect time to set or wrap your hair. Just to make sure I have gotten all the wetness out I will leave my rollers uncovered or if I wrap my hair, I will tie it up with a cotton tiehead until I'm ready for bed.

DONT:

Do not use heat on your hair while you have sweat in it. This is too much for your hair, especially if you work out 3-5 times a week. Do not go to bed with your hair still wet, it will get trashy.

If the next morning my scalp feels like it needs a little moisture I will part my hair in four and apply a moisturizing lotion and massage it in. I have found that oils get too heavy on my hair especially if I work out that day.

And that's it! If you have any questions feel free to ask it in the comment form below, or if you have your own tips share it with me and I will publish it for everyone else to see. If you want to see how I style my hair when I have an event/meeting right after the gym and I only have time for a shower, leave a comment and I will post a video.

Till later, 

Jane