For the Health of it: Part 1 "About Healthy Living"

Healthy living is more than just dieting and meaningless exercise; it’s a way of life. It goes beyond what you see in the mirror, it’s about how you feel. Shouldn’t that be what it’s all about anyway? Once we shun that nagging voice in the back of our head telling us to look and be like someone else, we can all live life to its full potential.

Words like “skinny” and “fat” are used to describe someone’s health all the time. Instead, we should be idolizing the word healthy. Not everyone who is considered “skinny” is healthy, nor is everyone who is considered “fat” unhealthy. In addition, these words can be hurtful and you don't know where someone may be in their heath journey. Keep a positive attitude about yourself and to others to boost moral. 

So, you might be asking yourself, where do I start? For someone who has always been living his or her lives wishing to be like someone, this is going to be hard. Once you start, you’ll wonder why you haven’t done this a long time ago.

Add cinnamon to apples for a sweet twist

Let’s start out with what you eat. Even though sweet and salty snack foods are delicious and can be a fun addition to a meal, it’s never a bad idea to cut down when you’re eating too much. Same can be said about all these extreme diets, diet pills, and other quick-fix, get skinny fast methods. These diets can be dangerous and don’t create long lasting results. The goal is to be healthy,  not skinny. Have fun with what you eat- love what you eat. Trust me, if you love what you eat, it’ll be easier to not fall back into old habits.

Staying organized can boost productivity

Next, take a look around your house. Chances are there are things you just sort of keep around for reasons you don't even understand. Clutter can be distracting and even cause anxiety. Furthermore, some items you may have in the house can be bad for your physical health if you don't replace them, or just get rid of them all-together. Some quick examples are replacing kitchen sponges to washcloths, replacing air filters regularly, and donating old clothes that are collecting in your closet. A good spring cleaning goes beyond a tidy house; it can be liberating for your body and mind too. 

Exercise. This word can be very scary for some people; let’s change that. I don’t use that word anymore; instead, I say, “I’m going to go have some fun”. A few years ago, I picked up skim boarding, and it’s a blast! Oh yeah, and it also burns on average 395 calories an hour. Zumba, walking the dog, heck, even zip lining is a fun way to get active. 

The perfect cannon ball position is great for your abs!

Lastly, mental health is a factor on healthy living. This is often over shadowed, but can arguably be just as important or most important out of all three. Mental health can affect your ability to make healthy decisions, let alone your every day life. This should be your number one priority of healthy living.

In the next few weeks, I will dive deep into each one of these topics to give you an in depth understanding on how to make a healthier you! And remember, you are beautiful.

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How Reef Friendly is your Sunscreen?

People always tell you "don't forget to put on sunscreen!". Sunscreen is something us humans should be putting on whenever we are going to get sun exposure, especially when you're at the beach in the Virgin Islands. Here's the thing though, have you ever thought about what it might be doing to our coral reef? Recent studies have shown that sunscreens may be hurting, even killing our ocean's vast reef ecosystem.

But before you go ahead and start tossing all of your sunscreen to save the reef, hear us out. First check your label for the active ingredients.

Natural ingredients such as:

Titanium Oxide or Zinc Oxide are far less harmful to corals. 

But ingredients like:

Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) 

Butylparaben

Octinoxate (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate)

4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4mbc) 

are all found more dangerous.

Chances are, your sunscreen will have at least one of these "dangerous" ingredients. Nearly all sunscreens do; even sunscreens that are deemed "reef safe". Additionally, in large quantities, sunscreen isn't even that great for your own skin because of the wide variety of chemicals they contain.

What do I mean when I say dangerous? What the main concern is "coral bleaching". This is the process in which coral's algae (zooxanthellae) will expel, hurting or killing the coral, and leaving it white; thus "coral bleaching". Sunscreen isn't the only factor that can bring on this unfortunate event, but we can only hope that by changing the way we lather up before swimming and snorkeling can make a difference.

Read More About Coral Bleaching

After doing my own independent research (surfing the web and consulting with a co-worker at Tree Limin' Extreme who has a degree in marine biology) I came to the conclusion that all sunscreens are somewhat dangerous to the coral reef, but some are better than others. Here is a list of a few that have the reef's safety in mind:

Badger Balm

Tropical Seas
Coral Safe Sunscreen

Now this is only a very short list of sunscreens that are claimed to be reef safe. On St. Thomas, many dive shops, gift shops, or other convenient stores will sell sunscreens that are reef safe. With the list of the ingredients above and your best judgement, you can pick out something that will be better for the environment than some of the other leading sunscreen brands. 

Some additional advice for those of you who love swimming and snorkeling and who take their skin health seriously: Cover up. There are hats, rash guards, and other water proof clothing that can cover you up while you're in and around the water. Personally, if I know I'll be out on the beach all day, covering up is my best bet to keep me and the coral safe. 

Short Sleeves or Long Sleeves, any bit will do!

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How to Plan Your Yacht Charter

So you’ve either visited the Virgin Islands or have read enough about it where you feel confident enough to bring up the idea of chartering a boat there. But what you’re not confident about is actually planning that trip. Your head is filled with questions, but you can’t seem to even struggle past the first one; where do I begin? 

I’m here to help you with that seemingly daunting task of planning your trip for you and the others joining you. I’ll leave it up to you to gather your friends together, pick a date, and all those other personal details, but I can at least point you in the right direction. 

1. Know your Skills

     Although you might have watched movies and YouTube videos of people raising the sails and maneuvering the boat with precision and thought, “I can do that”, you may be biting off more than you can chew. Sailing a boat is more than just turning the wheel in the direction you need to go and calling it a day; there are a number of problems you can run into with no one for miles to help. I’m not trying to scare anyone away, just making sure everyone is ready for this great adventure your about to endure. Sailing lessons are also available for anyone trying to polish their rusty skills, or you can even hire a captain so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. 

2. Choose the Area

    The Caribbean is made up of a variety of islands that come in all shapes, sizes, and eco systems. Some areas might be easier to sail than others, so keep in mind where you want to go. Also, keep in mind that you if you sail outside of the USVI, you’ll have to educate yourself on the customs and immigration of that area. Need to do some research? Check out these links to read more:

Best Caribbean Islands for Sailing

Planning Caribbean Sailing Trip

3. Pick a Date

     Picking a date is more important than a decision you made on a whim because “you had some vacation days”; it’s all about weather patterns. The last thing you want is to have your vacation cut short because of a nasty summer storm rolling through. In the Caribbean, the summer might be cheaper, and that is because it’s hurricane season. Do you research on weather patterns to figure out when sunny skies and decent winds are rolling through. It might not be guaranteed, but at least it’s a guide line.

4. Find a Company

One of the many great things about the Virgin Islands is that they are not short of yacht charter

companies to work with. Many companies will help you plan your vacation and answer any

questions you may have along the way. 

www.sunsail.com

www.horizonyachtcharters.com

www.dreamyachtcharter.com

www.bviyachtcharters.com

www.moorings.com

5. Make a Game Plan

             A. Be Realistic

If you want to sail the boat yourself and you envision your trip to be you on the boat deck sipping rum punch and not having a care in the world, think again. There will be times to relax, but there will also be times you’ll have to work hard. Also, you might not have a warm shower your whole trip, and rocky waters might make you a little seasick. If you prepare yourself for these not-so-pretty details, you’ll end up having a better time.

B. Do You Want to Sail Yourself, or do You Want a Crew

Now, if you don’t want to give up the vision of you sipping rum punch on the boat deck all day, then you don’t have to! Get a captain, or for large boats with many people, get a crew. This will cost more, but it might be worth it for those of you who want to snorkel, drink, and not have a care in the world. (Cold showers may still be included)

     C. Can they Provision the Boat for You?

A lot of companies offer boat provisioning before your arrival. Make sure you talk to arrange that before hand. 

     D. Make Lodging Arrangements Before and After Your Charter

You should always give yourself an extra day before and after you charter to make traveling less stressful and just in case of delays.

     E. Make Flying Arrangements for You and Your Guests

If you’re traveling with a group of people, make sure everyone is on the same page. Make flight, hotel, and other travel arrangements together to ensure everyone arrives on time.

6. Pack Accordingly

    Many people make the mistake by over packing for their boat trip. They also make the mistake on not packing enough of the right things either. Check out a few of these links below to get the best packing list

          Packing List One

          Packing List Two

          Packing List Three

7. Don’t Stress

Remember that this is still a vacation, so have fun! Think back to when the idea first popped into

your head and appreciate that you were able to execute your plan and make your dream a reality. 

Hopefully after you were done reading this, the anxiety subsided and the adventurer in you got butterflies. No, chartering a boat isn’t for everyone, but for those of you who have the dream can surely accomplish it! 

Have fun!

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What to do During St. Thomas Carnival

It's that time of year again. That time where everyone gets dressed up, parades down the street and dance their you know what's off. That's right... Carnival time! Locals, tourists, kids, adults, pretty much everyone flocks to Charlotte Amalie to join in the celebration. 

If you are curious as to what there is to do during Carnival, check out the list I have put together!

1. The Pageants

The pageants are one of the first events during Carnival. They have two major pageants; Queen and Prince and Princess. The Queen Selection Show has contestants between ages 16-21 years old and is the most prestigious and highly competitive show. Once passed down the crown from the previous queen, they are officially representing St. Thomas and the Virgin Islands. The Princess Selection show features younger contestants, ages 6 to 12 years old, and is a little more laid back than the Queen Selection Show, but still is fun for the participates and viewers.

2. Live Music 

Having fun, dancing, and listening to great live music is what Carnival is all about. There are so many different bands and other live music you can catch all throughout the month of Carnival!

3. The Food 

There’s no question that Carnival has some of the best island food around. I can almost guarantee you’ll leave feeling stuffed! They offer food like fried fish, Johnnycakes, different kinds of pates, and much more! You’re just going to have to see for yourself. Make sure you check out the food fair too. It’s a daylong celebration of island food broken down into different booths.

4. The Village

The Village is the hub of the Carnival and is much anticipated by locals and tourists alike. This week long venue is kicked off by the ribbon cutting ceremony done by the Governor, the Carnival Queen, and sometimes the honoree. The Late Cleve "Grapo" Turnbull is 2015's honoree. He was chosen for his hard work and dedication to the previous carnivals and his amazing artistic ability. 

The Village is never short of things to do. Dance to live music, eat and drink awesome local food, and enjoy classic carnival games and rides!

5. Parades

The parades during carnival are one of the most planned out events. There are number of parades, J’ouvert, the adults parade, and the children’s parade. J’ouvert is one of the most popular events during Carnival! Thousands show up in the early morning and dance down Main Street to their favorite music. 

The adult’s parade is another crowd favorite. This takes about a year in advance to plan and organize due to thinking up a theme, making elaborate costumes, and gathering trope members. There are small troupes, with as little as 10 members, and there are also very large troupes with hundreds of members. 

The Children’s parade is similar to the adult’s parade, but the participants ranging from toddlers to teens. They also dress up in fun, colorful costumes and dance their hearts out down Main Street. 

6. Fireworks 
Fireworks are a great ending to any event. This amazing display happens over St. Thomas Harbor and there are so many great spots on the island to get a great view.

There is just so much to do and see during Carnival. There are so many traditions carried on throughout the years, and some added on along the way. To read about the history of Carnival, click on the link below.

 History of St. Thomas Carnival

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Destination Weddings: Part 3 "How to Plan a Destination Wedding"

 

Planning a wedding can be many things. It can be fun, exciting, joyful, and moving... but it can also be stressful, hectic, and a battle between you and your sanity. We get it, but this list we have made might help you enjoy the better parts.

Nine to Twelve Months

1.     Pick Your Location

This may the easiest step for some of you who’ve had a place in mind before you’ve even met your fiancé, or it maybe the hardest, because there’s a whole world out there and you want to pick the right place! Well don’t stress. Do your research and make sure you understand the marriage requirements and the logistics of having your wedding there.

2.     Create a Budget

The good thing about destination weddings is that they tend to be cheaper than a traditional wedding. Talk between yourselves to set a budget and stick to it. Remember there is airfare, lodging, food, and all the other little odds and ends of a wedding.

3.     Compile a Guest List

Making a guest list is very important. Make sure once you get together your guest list, you inform all your guests and see if it is feasible for them to make it. It is essentially a vacation for them too, so you have to make sure you give your guests enough time to get off work and save the date.

4.     Make a Trip Out to Your Destination (if Possible)

This may not be possible for everyone, but if you can, do it! Pictures on the Internet will only tell you so much abut a place. You will want to go in person and scope everything out. All the way from resorts to beaches, restaurants and activities, you’ll want to get a good idea of the things you and your wedding party will be doing.

5.     Pick the Location of the Wedding and Lodging

Whether you visit there or not, you have to choose a wedding venue and lodging. Make sure once you choose, block rooms for your guests; you can hash out the smaller details later. Many resorts offer wedding packages that can save you time, money, and create a much smoother experience by booking two in one.

Six to Nine Months

6.     Choose a Wedding Company 

You may think you can plan your entire wedding, but trust me when I say you’ll be much happier by getting a planner. They will take a lot off your shoulders and can make it a much better experience. Also many resorts have wedding coordinators on site, so everything is done in-house and runs smoothly.

7.    Have a Meeting with Your Wedding Coordinator and Share Your Vision

Share your vision with your wedding coordinator and don’t hold back. A few suggestions would be, make a Pinterest wedding board, send them pictures of what you want for your cake, and tell them how you want your decorations. Also, once you show them/tell them your vision, try not to make any changes. Places such as the Caribbean move on island time and this could slow down the process and create a more messy experience. 
 

8.  Plan Your Honeymoon

Planning your honeymoon is a sometimes put on the back burner when you’ve been planning a wedding. Don’t let this go unnoticed; planning your honeymoon can be fun! To save time and money, choose the destination that you’ll be getting married!

Four to Six Months

9.     Help Your Family Make Plans

Traveling can be hectic, but if everyone is on the same page, it can make things a little easier. Get together, send e-mails, and make sure everyone is on the same page in terms of arrival date, airfare, passports, rooms, etc.

Two to Four Months

10.   Additional Details and Planning Excursions 

Chances are, you chose an amazing destination where there is a lot to see. Destination weddings are so great because it’s more than just a wedding, but a whole experience. Have fun and plan some excursions throughout the week to have the most memorable wedding ever. 

11.  Formal Invites

Even though a destination wedding isn’t always formal, it’s nice to add a few traditional touches here and there. Sending our formal invites to a destination wedding can involve a few more details than a typical wedding. A popular thing to do is add traveling details, excursion itinerary, and any other little bits you may want to add. 

Click the links below to read more:

 Destination Weddings: Part 1 "Is a Destination Wedding Right for You?"

Destination Weddings: Part 2 "Benefits of Having a Destination Wedding"

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