The big issue just got BIGGER!!!!

 From my previous post, the big issue, I discussed my opinions on the re-selling of Trinidad carnival costumes for a fraction of the price, now, a band called MYST , Antigua Carnival band is providing an IP like service, IP costume from this year, the Zebra costume being it's photo. Unlike the other bands in Miami carnival, these costumes are going for the same price as Trinidad carnival us$400-us$500.

Saucy's point of view on the matter discusses the effect of this phenomenon and it comes to a bottom line point,if trinidad carnival is considered so genuine when other bands in other islands try to create the same experience for less, why would foriegners come to Trinidad? Saucy said it so well, I don;t think I can say it any better.

Carnival pics

Oh by the way...i realised i never showed you my pics from carnival

THE BIG ISSUE!!!!

Year after year it is being brought to the attention of Trinidad masqueraders that the carnival costumes that they paid Us$400-us$500 for are being re-sold at a fraction of the price at other carnivals and carnival-like celebrations across the world. Recent articles by fellow blogger, Saucy
are now bringing the issue to the fore front. The big question on my mind is why are we paying us$400-us$500 for the same service that persons in foreign carnivals are paying us$90- us$100 for?

In my reply to saucy's post you may find the possible and only logical explanation that these bands can give.

" mimi said...

my only question is, after I save my money, and i purchase this costume for $400 to $500 us. and see the exact same costume selling for a quarter of the price i paid, why are we paying 5 times the amount?

maybe an explanation for this can we found in the importation costs, taxes and other sundry costs such as bar licenses for every truck, employment costs for all those bar tenders and people serving you food as those bands are no where near the monstrosity of 4000-6000 people chipping with them. Perhaps all these should be taken into consideration. But one can also counter argue that bulk buying is less expensive always results in cheaper production and purchasing costs, so a band of 4000-6000 people should have lower overhead costs shouldn't they? hmm or perhaps, the reason why Trinidad carnival prices never decrease are because trinis will pay at any price to enjoy the wining, gyrating and niceness on carnival day. I myself, have been guilty of indulging in this sinless pleasure.

these bands (wee international et al) have not experienced the level of success thatg IP, TRIBE, Trini Revellers and GENESIS have encountered, thus desperate to make a profit, they resell their costumes. how can blame them,the statemnt always stands.
"One man's rags is another man's riches"

1:17 PM "

CAPE....Yuh on shit!!

Sorry for the title beginning with profanity! But as all my readers know, I am a unti 2, upper six CAPE student who now has to wait for about 3 weeks until cxc prints their alternative paper and recreates my schedule. Now my other problem is writing over that Communication Studies paper2. I give my all into any paper I am writing, as a result, my energy is sucked out of me (as I am not the healthiest person in the world). Now i have to re- sit this exam with a paper, that me not be as nice as the one I sat friday.

My problem with this whole fiasco is, the response generated. CXC's response is too slow, as students are now confused. Question such as... "will the axam timetable be the same, just shifted to later dates?" "What if the subject i'm study for now is not what comes first?" "When will this finish?"

AHHHH the stress of regional education system

Carnival is all year around

So why is it that I open today's guardian and see articles about Carnival. I love Carnival and everything but, I swear now it has turned into an all year round, multi million dollar business!
Beside the fact that articles surface of Carnival all year round, band launchings seems to be coming closer and closer. Remember when bands didn't used to launch until like Christmas. With bands like TRIBE and Evolution who are trying to be early birds and catch the worms, I just have a few concerns, not plenty, just a few!

1. So when bands launch this early and the others launch weeks later, this does not give the masquerader enough time to scout and see everyone's designs and make a good choice.I don't want to regret purchasing a costume in IP after seeing TRIBE or Evolution's presentation.
2. When launching so close, where do they want us to get the money to pay the downpayment. I mean, come on, lets be realistic, we know everything is going up, and costume prices are going up like helium baloons.
3. I hope with this early launch, it gives ya'll enough time, to decipher where you'll get your good matrial from and correct any mishapps (furry bamsee et al!)

My take on TRIBE 2k8

Okay people, I know you've been waiting, so heres my take. I'll make it short and sweet, no long paragraphs.

1. Um try yuh best TRIBE and try to keep to a better schedule, eating lunch at 4 is not cool.
   
2. When is time for lunch make sure the caterers provide plastic knifes or use boneless chicken or something. That biting into yuh chicken with your bare hands is not cute!
3. Bring back the rest truck!!! right...
4. More toilets at the lunch stop!
5. Numerous by-standers complained that persons did not want to get into their sections at the stages, as a result we looked like a mess....try yuh bess and enforce some rules fuh dat
6. Please ensure all section leaders use some kind of SUPPORTIVE bra so we women won't have any bra woes! please and thanks!!
7. I think this would be a good idea for the band, at the rest stop perhaps, you can have a stall with a selection of stockings, since most women have stocking mishapps. just and idea!
8. Keep the mints with the food
9. Keep the heineken big  bottle, next time i go park my car closer.
10. Um try and not let that route to get the costume so damn long...lol.. I swear I walking in a maze! I saw parts of Cascadia I never saw before! lol.
11. Oh and last but least, keep the goody bags and free cereal flowing!
12. And get rid of furry bamsee eh!!!

Hola, Bonjour, Hello!!!

Hello everyone,

         I know I haven't been posting in a long time, I'm so sorry, I'm still trying to get ready for my 2nd year of CAPE examinations, which brgins Thursday 6th May. Wish me luck!

My take on tribe's costume distribution

 
I arrived at nine o'clock, and the staff were  already getting things together to close down distribution for the day. I was greeted by friendly staff and was lead through an organized, but ridiculously long route to the cashiers. The cashiers then checked and verified everything and  reprinted another receipt and my pink slip. After coming form the cashiers and was then guided to the distribution area where my costume box was ready and waiting. The lady verified and checked everything and I signed that I saw everything. Then to collect my bands and so on, everythign was given to me and explained , as I am a first time TRIBEr. lol. Eveeryone was talking to my mom, because she knows them, thinking she was playing.lol.

Overall i was so excited about everything i opened my goodbag as soon as i got in the car.lol.Must say compared to goody bags i remember Legends and Poison used to give when i was smaller and my cousins played mas, with the basic, toothpast, tylonol and glitter, has come a long way.lol. And that cereal i was totally not expecting, a whole big box?! nah I couldn't believe it when i walked outside.

But aside from that, the only thing i'm disappointed with is the fact that the bras aren;t like wonderbra..lol..leaves your breast just looking normal. I wanted cleavage aid damnit!!!!lol.
But i am generally happy with my costume, i think it's beautiful , i still want a pair of wings (ne1 selling lemme kno) they were beautiful. i really think this section is a sleeper, in that it i s one of the most beautiful costumes.

My costume
headpiece




My belt



My bra




My neckpiece, armpieces and leg pieces, respectively

my carnival preperations pt 2. - Make up!!!

Now, I have a reputation of looking good at all times, therefore its only right that I upkeep this tradtion on carnival monday and tuesday. So i've decided to reveal part of my make up scheme for my dear readers.

my carnival preparation

ok readers, since last I posted i promised photos of my sneaker project,make up and my costume.
sneaker: black reebok classic
project aim, painy a silver sneaker wit nice beading on the back to compliment my costume, titania.

before


after

• first step, i cleaned any dirty surfaces off of shoe.
  

• second step, I sprayed my first coat of primer paint and waited for 30 mins then sprayed first coat of metallic silver paint.
  

• third step, I apllied a second coat of metallic silver paint to cover up any imperfections on the shoe (since it was very much broken in and had creases and thing)

• fourth step, I applied the big beads first, which are pink.
  
• fifth step, add on small clear crystals.

So thats my shoe projects so far!!!

Carnival is almost here!!!

 It was the week before carnival, all were in a rush for supplies but mimi. lol. It's been a while since i've updated but i've been busy with school, work and my costume!!. lol. I must admit i;m the kind of person who hates be disorganized when it coems to import thigns such as carnival. So this post is to help my fellow masqueraders whom have not really gotten their act together yet.

First step, create a list.
Now creatign a list eliminates the running up and down to the saem store over and over because of memory lapse. This list should include your accessoires and what ever necessities needed for costume.
My list comprised of:

1. stockings from micles
   
2. face jewels
3. spirit gum
4. spirit gum remover
5. spray on glue
6. pink glitter
7. extra boy shorts
8. earrings to match costume
9. purse to match costume
10. boots or sneakers
11. neutrogena spf55 sunblock lotion
12. Spray paint for boots or sneakers
13. wings for my titania costume

2nd and 3rd step. Locate where items can be found and budget

For many of the items needed you can visit Samaroo's, Tulip Productions, Naipaul's, Wonderful world and eye Candy.
You should call around these places, pricing your goods, so that you can manage your money accordinlgy and not have to waste gas and time looking for these items. It allowas you to also select the place with the better price, thus avoiding the heartache of seeing the same good for 3/4 or 1/2 the price paid.


I hope this was helpful to most masqueraders. I fulfilled evertything on my list except for boy shorts and glitter.
In my next post i'll disclose my carnival appearance

AC6 cancelled?!

It is rumor that AC6 is being cancelled. Various reasons i've heard. I heard that it's because of some ISland People fete on that night. who knows...but for now the rumor is that it's being cancelled

Soka in Moka... dissapointing

For the past few days i have only been able to recognize a plethora of disappointing reviews for Soka in Moka. This annual all- inclusive struck gold in the bad books of Trinidadians and feters. However, there was one semi negative/ positive report when the Trinidad Guardian Pulse Writer cast his views on the fete in today's Guardian

____________________________________________________________________

If Sunday's Soka in Moka is an indication of what can be expected in coming all- inclusive fetes for C2K8, by Carnival Weekend "who ain't dead, go be badly wounded."

Judging from the reaction of the people to the music and ambiance, seems that Trinis, especially or beautiful women, have been starving for some hot and spicy party action.

celebrating Trinity College's 50Th anniversary, principal LLewelyn Mc Intosh and VP Janice Richards pulled out all stops to ensure that patrons making the trek up to the scenic hills of Maraval were fully satisfied.

The food by Grannie's and bar services provided by B.A.R.S. were spot on, as were the peripheral delicacies, including a confectionery stall with toolum, sugar cake and fudge and Carol's shark 'n' bake.

An impressive fireworks display also marked the occasion.

In the music department, DJ Hurricane George helped save the day as the live acts sounded as though they were still under the influence of the festive season and not yet in full stride for C2K8.

The first all-inclusive of the season it was attended by President Max Richards and his wife Dr. Jean Ramjohn Richards; attorney general Bridgette Annisette- George; National Security Minister Martin Joseph; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture Donna Cox. Also seen in the mix were Liz Montano (Machel's mom); and visiting Hollywood actress Lorraine Toussant, a daughter of the soil who's starred on the silver screen and television' s Saving Grace and Ugly Betty, and CeCe Vandeveer (real name Nancy Snyder), who stars in Law & Order and The Shield.

Actually the madness of the fete scene has only begun and next up is tonight's St. Francois all- inclusive at St. John's ambulance Hall on Fitzblackman drive in Woodbrook, followed by QRC Foundation's Outta de Blue tomorrow.

In related News, the organisers of Hilarians' all- inclusive have shifted the venue from their January 12 event, from the Stadium to QRC grounds.
Its a long story.

Hairstyles

Let's talk hair. One of the most import things to a comfortable experience for the road, is hair. Most persons end to keep it smple with a ponytail or bun.
Others keep their hair down or half up half down. Hair on the back of your neck, in my opinion, is quite bothersome and makes you feel more humid than it actual is. Unless you have braids. Braids is a good hassle free hairstyle and can be arranged in anyway to look chic and comfortable. And there's no safer cut than the short cut.

Carnival make up

It's Carnival Tuesday and your arrive to meet, your band. All the ladies in the band have fab make up, but all you have is a light dust of eyeshadow, eyeliner and glitter, can u feel anymore drab? Thus this post is inspired to help ladies look FAB on the road! It's Carnival and carnival is about creativity, so get creative on those eyes!

Now there are stations around town and Woodbrooke that offer this make up service for a small fee of lets say $100.For the persons who want to do it at home,here are some tips

Tips to apply carnival make up for yourself.

1. Apply sun block to face first. ( make sure it's at least spf 30 don't want to end up looking toasted on Ash Wednesday)
   
2. Let sun block settle, don't apply anything else to face for about 10mins.
3. Apply foundation and concealer
4. Dust a little powder to settle foundation with Powder brush
5. Spray make up fixing spray
6. Apply primer
7. Apply make up. When applying eye make up, persons believes that face jewels make the make up look pretty and stand out. This can be found at your local wonderful world.. Wonderful world carries all shades of make, so looking for an unusual shade that's your store. Also applying a little iridescent fine glitter dust to over lip gloss, looks majestic also.
8. Apply another coat of powder to settle in make up and finish with fixing spray

Here's some eye make up pics to tickle your fancy, and give an idea of what to do with your eyes.

This can compliment any costume, as well as silver mist.
Silver mist




The colours can be switched up on this to appeal to your costume


Don't mind the crazy hair d, this is can easily accentuate mystique






Good enough for Isis option a and b





Autumn Sprite


Water nymph