http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/ JamaicaObserver.com, the most concise and in-depth website for news coverage on Jamaica and the Caribbean. Updated daily 7 days a week, 24 hours a day en-us copyright Jamaica Observer, 2011 http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/-Hair--it-is-_10729595 "Coming to the salon should mean much more than getting a haircut or style. The salon should be a friendly, warm experience that allows customers to feel more like family," Chen-Ore For Beauty owner Orelia Richards explained. This belief perhaps explains why so many of her clients greeted each other like friends upon arrival at the salon to get their beauty needs fulfilled. The Under the Dryer team was present with bartenders from J Wray & Nephew who prepared mixes of their new cocktail — Absolut Lemon Drop Martini — to clients. Local Lifestyle Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/Saturday-Hustle---February-11 The 54th Grammy Awards will be airing tomorrow at 8:00 pm live on CBS, and just like you, the Saturday Hustle team is eagerly anticipating the winner of the top category, Record of the Year. Local Lifestyle Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:00:20 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/Valentine-Chic_10734503 With Valentine's Day falling on a Tuesday this year, many women will be rummaging in the wardrobe for that 'perfect' outfit to transition from daytime chic to appropriate for that hot date. Our hot tip is to focus on transitional pieces. Here's how to Get the Look. Local Lifestyle Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/Countdown-To-V-Day_10729878 Next week the world will celebrate Valentine's Day. The story goes that Valentine was a priest, martyred in the third century, put to death for defying Emperor Claudius's decision to forbid marriage because he believed single men to make better soldiers. Finding out that Valentine secretly continued to perform marriages for young lovers, he was imprisoned where he apparently sent a letter to his jailor's daughter, signed "From Your Valentine". Two centuries later, Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St Valentine's Day. As romantic as this patron saint of marriage, and couples was, V-Day continues to be celebrated today by lovers, best friends and family, making it the second-biggest card-sending holiday of the year. Local Lifestyle Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/The-hot-and-fierce-trend----animal-print_10729921 At the start of every fashion season, fashionistas wait with bated breath and bulging pocketbooks to see what the hot new trends will be. Last week we covered the top three colours of 2012 (according to Pantone) and this week we feature the of-the-moment trend...animal prints. We're seeing it everywhere these days, so why not here? Local Lifestyle Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/Saturday-Fashion---February-11_10734439 The Saturday Fashion team spotted stylish threads last week at the celebratory banquet held in honour of former prime minister Percival James Patterson at Round Hill Hotel and Villas; the Rootz Underground charity concert at Hope Gardens; and the Trench Town Rock show in Trench Town. Local Lifestyle Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/Curl-power-_10735531 Kelly Rowland looked like a goddess as she was honoured by Essence magazine on Wednesday. The singer, who turns 31 today, wore a one-shouldered flowing orange gown and a curly hairdo for the annual Black Women in Music pre-Grammy event. Kelly was recognised for her longevity in the music industry as well as for being nominated for an award at the upcoming ceremony. She styled her hair in tiny curls that framed her gorgeous face. Kelly told MailOnline that she was humbled by the honour and was excited for this Sunday's award ceremony. Her former Destiny's Child band mate Michelle Williams was along for support and gushed about being there for her friend. Local Lifestyle Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/-My-body-is-only-for-my-husband-_10735186 A Victoria's Secret model has revealed she has turned her back on modelling lingerie as it clashes with her Christian beliefs. Kylie Bisutti beat more than 10,000 hopefuls to win the Victoria's Secret Model Search. But after two years as a model for the company she says she has turned her back on showing off the sexy lingerie, as she believes only her husband should see her body. "Victoria's Secret was my absolutely biggest goal in life, and it was all I ever wanted career-wise. I actually loved it while I was there; it was so much fun and I had a blast," the California-born beauty told FOX411. Local Lifestyle Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/The-Other-Sand-At-Doctor-s-Cave_10729362 Sand, the latest business venture of Whiteshirt Limited chaired by Patrick Casserly, is a full service bar and restaurant located on the world- famous Doctor's Cave Beach. The bar offers an impressive drinks menu and signature cocktails at prices that encourage patrons to sample several, especially the signature cocktails like the Sand Smile Frost. The bar area boasts four large flat screen televisions and free wireless access. Traditional local and beach fare include pan-style chicken and pork basted with a home-made secret sauce. There is too, escoveitched and steamed fish as well as burgers, salads, Tastee patties, ice-cold Red Stripe beer and Appleton rum. That said, Sand is a great spot on a truly formidable stretch of beach. (Photos: Garfield Robinson) Local Food Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/Where-s-the-BEEF- Today I wanted to focus on red meat which often gets a bad rap, beef in particular. Full disclosure: I don’t eat much red meat but would be a hypocrite to say that I do not enjoy it when I succumb to temptation. Lately, many of my articles focus on chicken, vegetables and fish, but many people out there love meat, and trust me, when I consume it, I like it too! A succulent lamb chop, a tender steak, pork ribs with meat falling off the bone — just imagining it makes me hungry. Red meat for me is now more of a treat so I do appreciate it even more when indulging. With that said, I do encourage meat eaters to make room for meat-free days for health reasons. Local Food Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:00:17 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/Heading--South-_10730675 The increasing buzz across Kingston speaks to South Beach Café as the hot new place to chill, party and dine. It's no idle boast! The venue is a fab, unexpected surprise complete with a spacious al fresco dining area and well-appointed cabanas for private dining. There is too, a separate bar area to enjoy lunch or simply chill in between sips of signature cocktails such as the South Beach Medley, Pink Flamingo, or the Blue South Beach. Marketing and Sales Manager Andrea Osbourne told Thursday Food that the establishment which opened its doors six weeks ago, has a over-arching mission to be a multi-dynamic venue, with a casino, daiquiri bar, and disco on the drawing table — due to be opened by month-end. Local Lifestyle Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/A-Wine-and-Food-Adventure_10729767 When you get a call from an avid wine collector who needs help to open and drink a few dozen of his prized bottles, the decision is simple. YES! Local Lifestyle Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/Cushy-for-little-Tushy_10730130 With kids comes the litter of toys, and if we don't start teaching them fairly early how to keep clean and tidy up after themselves, then they will never learn. A good way to start is in their own rooms, but to help them on this journey, you have to have a place for everything and everything in its place. And by this I mean, shelves for books, drawers for clothes and storage chests or boxes for toys. As always, if you have to live with something, you better love it and love looking at it, so my philosophy is to make it a part of your room. Local Lifestyle Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/A-Pastry-Haven_10730430 Sugar fixes can pay sweet dividends. Such is the case for tweens and teens satiating their sweet tooth on the way home from school at the newest outlet of Pastry Passions found on the downstairs level of the Half-Way-Tree Transport Centre. It's proven a win-win situation for both customer and proprietor, as the boutique pastry shop has been doing exceptional business during weekday afternoon hours, as students make their way through the centre with the young'uns all too happy to indulge in the tasty treats. Local Lifestyle Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/Smoothieee-Magic_10730231 For the calorie-counting crowd craving healthy sips and bites, Mr Smoothieee is the latest must-do foodie destination. The art-deco-like eatery, located in Southdale Plaza, has a menu that naturally features smoothies but boasts frozen yogurts, wraps, sandwiches, and salads among its offerings. Opening its doors in September of last year, according to Operations Manager Audrey Lawrence, Mr Smoothieee has quickly built a loyal clientele which she classifies as "business type". Local Food Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/Chef-on-the-Rise---Khamel-Allen_10729457 Food was definitely not Khamel Allen's first option after leaving Jamaica College. In fact, the film enthusiast had started learning the basics of film production at the Creative Production and Training Centre in 2009. His journey into the culinary arts, however, began in that same year, when he was at home one day with a cupboard and refrigerator stocked with food that he couldn't cook. It was his need to learn how to cook that propelled him to become a commis chef today. "I am from a family of cooks, believe it or not," he told Thursday Food. "My grandmother, mother, aunt and uncle are all excellent cooks in their own right. They taught me how food should be presented and how it should taste," Allen continued. Local Lifestyle Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/Motherhood-leaves-Beyonc--feeling-Blue_10734108 She hardly needs another present, when her best gift arrived in the guise of Blue Ivy. But it seems Beyoncé has been lavishly pampered by Jay-Z following the birth of their firstborn last month, with the singer sporting a chunky piece of bling, which she was given as a 'push present'. Her rapper husband is believed to have bought the blue ring, in honour of their daughter's name, in a tradition that sees new fathers reward the mother after she gives birth to their child. The large jewel was coordinated with Beyoncé's blue nail polish as she made her second public appearance since becoming a mother on January 7. The gown, by bridal favourite Monique Lhuillier, was skintight and sprinkled with sequins that dotted across the sweetheart neckline and up across the nude netting atop Bey's cleavage. Netting is popular this season, and allows a sexy dress to ooze that Jessica Rabbit va-va-voom while affording the wearer a modest elegance. It's perfect for creating that paradox of flaunting and covering up, all at once. She accessorised the look with Gucci shoes, a Chanel purse, Lorraine Schwartz jewellery and the bounciest of celebrity curls. Local Lifestyle Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/Say-it-with-Baileys-Chocolate-Cups_10735859 Baileys is great anytime of the year, but the delectable Irish Cream easing across the palate and flirting with your taste buds resonates with more meaning at this particular time. After all, Valentine's Day is near and Baileys has always been a favourite among romantics for that special day. Food Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/Popping-with-Flavour_10685813 SOME like it hot, some like it spicy, and some like it sweet: that's the brilliant concept behind the new spicy trio — sweet and spicy, green Scotch bonnet, and Scotch bonnet — of Grace Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauces. With a need to meet the growing demand for a range of exciting new pepper sauces that include different flavours and spice levels, locally grown peppers were processed and tested among local and international consumers. After receiving positive feedback on the product, the Local Food Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/Did-Madonna-put-on-the-greatest-show-on-Earth_10723684 She declared she had to put on 'the greatest show on Earth, during the greatest show on Earth' and Madonna certainly didn't disappoint. The singer, 53, put on an impressive performance during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. Local Lifestyle Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/Victory-for-now_10690646 It seems Halle Berry has been left disappointed in her efforts to stop her former lover Gabriel Aubry from seeing their daughter. For RadarOnline is reporting a judge concurred with the opinion of social workers that the hunky Canadian should be allowed to continue unsupervised visits with three-year-old Nahla. The decision comes after Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services investigated claims the model had assaulted the girl's nanny. She claims she went to pick Nahla up at school, but she was not there because Gabriel, 36, had kept her home sick for two days, and that he pushed her when she confronted him about it. A source said: "Social workers recommended that absolutely no changes be made in the current custody agreement, which the judge gives tremendous weight and consideration to. Halle and Gabriel essentially have joint custody of Nahla. DCFS found absolutely no basis to the claims that Gabriel physically assaulted the nanny, or has ever physically abused Nahla. There was nothing found to substantiate the nanny's claims, and social workers felt that a restraining order that Halle was seeking wasn't necessary, and would actually harm Nahla by keeping her from her father." Local Lifestyle Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/Fittest-First-Lady Michelle Obama has been touring California promoting her health agenda, so when she was challenged to a push-up contest on a TV show, she quickly dropped to the floor to prove she practised what she preached. Local Lifestyle Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:29:38 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/Destination-London_10691178 Sean Paul & Steven Wilson Local Lifestyle Sun, 05 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/Here-s-JONNY- Who knew that the lead guitarist of Coldplay, Jonny Buckland, was married to a Jamaican? British by birth, Chloe Buckland is born of a Jamaican mother, and her family in England treat the island as their second home, visiting several times a year. Due to Jonny's busy schedule, which involves co-writing music for Coldplay and performing with his bandmates all over the world, the pair and their two young children don't visit as often as they'd like. That being said, they do make an effort to visit at least once every two years. Local Lifestyle Sun, 05 Feb 2012 03:13:58 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/Emotional-infidelity_10677490 The venom clamours of a Local Lifestyle Sun, 05 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT