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Thursday, June 13, 2013

5 Ways To Exude Caribbean Style At Home



Now that it's officially summer, many of you may be planning chic beachside getaways for the season. I recently took a trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico and now that I’m back stateside I’m still yearning for that carefree Caribbean style that always puts me at ease. One thing I noticed about the Caribbean is that aside from being a haven of relaxation, people there really work to live instead of living to work. There’s a clear difference, and I think just taking a few cues from this philosophy can help reduce stress and help you live a happier life. Here are some fun & easy ways to bring carefree Caribbean style home, long after the vacay:

1. Wear your favorite beachside maxi dress on a non-beach day.
Beachwear doesn’t necessarily have to be for beachside occasions. Pairing your favorite maxi dress or printed beach cover-up with the proper undergarments and accessories can give it new life, even when you’re not kicking up sand.
Maxi dresses are my absolute favorite. I dress them up for a night out or pare them down with flats for daytime.

2. Unwind with Malibu Island Spiced cocktails.

Cocktails might be my favorite part about poolside lounging while I’m on vacation. Rum, the quintessential liquor for island gals like myself, is a great base for fun & fruity drinks. Enjoy them out with your friends or in the comfort of your home. I really love the new Malibu Island Spiced rum. It has such a unique flavor infused with coconut, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon. And get this, it’s sweetened with Truvia® so there are only 70 calories per serving. Flavorful and guilt-free? I was sold.

Malibu’s website has a really great list of special cocktails you can mix using Malibu Island Spiced. For my island-themed night at home, I mixed two of their signature cocktails - the Spiced on Ice, the Sparkling Spiced and a variation of the Chaise Lounge using Orange Juice instead of Pineapple. Here’s what I did:
Spiced on Ice is literally just 1 serving of Malibu Island Spiced over ice, garnished with lemon:

Sparkling Spiced (another low-calorie cocktail) is 1 parts Malibu Island Spice and 2 parts sparkling water:

Chaise Lounge is 1 and 1/2 parts Malibu Island Spiced and 3 parts pineapple juice, which I substituted for OJ instead:

3. Try a traditional Caribbean recipe.


One of my favorite west-Indian dishes is jerk chicken. My dad is Jamaican so I grew up eating this at home. Though it’s spicy, it tastes amazing. Depending on what recipe you use, it’s quite easy to make milder versions of this. The key to a great jerked chicken dish is in the marinade. You should let your chicken soak for at least 8 hours before broiling, grilling or baking it.


4. Bump your favorite reggae tracks.

I grew up on Sanchez and Beres Hammond. Something about smooth reggae tunes puts me in another place. This is a surefire way to bring the sun & sand of the Caribbean to your living room. Put on some of your favorite reggae tunes and get into the groove.

5. Paint your nails turquoise.
I think one of the reasons turquoise and other blue-green shades are my favorites to put on my fingers and toes is because they remind me of the ocean! I’m a believer in the power of beauty putting you in a good mood. I could be having the most horrible day but bright colors on my fingers and toes immediately lighten my mood. Try out a new aqua shade and don’t worry - be happy.

How do you exude care-free Caribbean style when you're back stateside? 
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MALIBU ® Caribbean Rum with Coconut Liqueur & Natural Spices, with Truvia® Sweetener. 30% Alc./Vol. (60 Proof) ©2013 Imported by Pernod Ricard USA, Purchase, NY
Truvia® and the Truvia®  logo are registered trademarks of the Truvia Company LLC.
PER 1.5 FL. OZ. SERVING. AVERAGE ANALYSIS: CALORIES 70; CARBOHYDRATES less than 1 gram; PROTEIN 0 grams; FAT 0 grams.
*when mixed with your favorite zero calorie mixer. Limes and other garnishes may add calories
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126 comments:

  1. Wonderful article ... I think you've gotten our vibe. Next time, I hope you get a chance to visit my island, St.Lucia or visit any other of the English, Spanish or French Caribbean islands.

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  2. Love discovering your blog, and thanks for the sweepstakes!

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  3. Great article! and Im loving the maxi Dress.

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  4. I exude carefree caribbean style by wearing bronzer. It's my way of keeping my skin glowing, and looking fresh from a trip from the caribbean. I also wear floppy hats. works like magic!

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  5. I wear sandals and have barbecues!

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

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  6. tweet:

    https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/345600095200366592

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  7. I cook Hawaiian pizza with pineapple and drink cocktails with pineapple juice

    elena150980@yahoo.com

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  8. https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/345608596555444225

    elena150980@yahoo.com

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  9. we drink a lot of exotic drinks :)

    vanitizebaby at yahoo dot com

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  10. tweet

    https://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/345620380125380608

    vanitizebaby at yahoo dot com

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  11. we love fruit mixed drinks and I love a good maxi dress. amypugmire@live.com

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  12. tweet. amypugmire@live.com
    https://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/345628521403650051

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  13. maxi dress and sandles hdeanna 69 at yahoo dot com

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  14. flip flops, a flowing maxi dress and a great mixed drink llodter @ sbcglobal dot net

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  15. I put on a sun dress and flip flops!
    reklaw422 at hotmail dot com

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  16. I wear sandals, a maxi dress and sunglasses!

    seashell210 at gmail dot com

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  17. tweeted! https://twitter.com/BoutiqueOfLuck/status/345701892921364480

    seashell210 at gmail dot com

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  18. I exude a care-free Caribbean style by wearing dresses and bright colors.
    kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  19. tweet
    https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/345728770411483136

    kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom

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  20. I love wearing a cute kate spade type dress with wedge heels! Color helps the care free in my come out!!

    rachelmarietravis at gmail dot com

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  21. I tweeted https://twitter.com/RMTSweeps/status/345898841394008065

    rachelmarietravis at gmail dot com

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  22. Shorts, tank top, flip flops, hat, and a BBQ.
    jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  23. tweet - https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/347068517851467776
    jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com

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  24. Wear a sundress, flip flops and have a tropical drink.

    s2s2 at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  25. https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/347466333623029761

    s2s2 at comcast dot net

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  26. i'd like to try the lanai bound

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  27. I love cooking up some Hawaiian or Caribbean dishes and imagine I'm on the island with sunshine and beaches. :) Of course, with a glass of Malibu cocktail while enjoying the food is a must!

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

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  28. tweeted:
    https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/348362068866510848


    amy [at] utry [dot] it

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  29. I wear sandals,bikini and go to the beach
    tina19820115@gmail.com

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  30. https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/348452326358519808
    tina19820115@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Go to the pool and close my eyes for a while. :)

    chambanachik at gmail dot com

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  32. i'd have to start with some music for the mood
    pry.school.1@gmail.com

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  33. tweet https://twitter.com/holly_gardens/status/348541045518254081 pry.school.1@gmail.com

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  34. Flip flops, maxi dress, drinks/cocktails and party!

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  35. -https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/348588527086362624

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  36. Definitely listen to some Caribbean music and barbecue
    tweety800265(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  37. https://twitter.com/disneyfan40/status/348637456712728576
    tweety800265(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I wear clothes that remind me of my vacation, listen to music, drink rum spiced cocktails and relax!

    mummytotwoboys@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. Tweeted

    https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/349262122825416705

    mummytotwoboys@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/349592563981877248
    onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Summer dresses and sandals!
    onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com

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  42. I get out bright decorations -- and throw a party with great food and drinks!

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  43. I wear a lot of sundresses
    ajoy1332 at yahoo dot com

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  44. https://twitter.com/ajoy1332/status/350100597124501504
    ajoy1332 at yahoo dot com

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  45. I put on Sandals and capris and relax.

    rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

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  46. i am always wearing my sandals and we BBQ on the grill frequently

    debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  47. tweeted:

    https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/350221916474327043

    debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com

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  48. i love bring color alot bright colors

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  49. https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/350287439899799553

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  50. I exude Caribbean style by sitting on my deck with a tropical drink and imagining I am on a beach.

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  51. Tweet
    https://twitter.com/clc408/status/350359196966989825

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  52. I like to wear tropical prints, wear light clothes, like dresses and wear open shoes and sandles.
    Thanks so much.
    rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  53. Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/350375589212979201
    Thanks
    rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  54. Grenadine goes well with everything

    Tiffany Lane
    mckenziesmom1@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. I wear loose, cool dresses, sunglasses and some bangle bracelets to get that Carib style.
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  56. https://twitter.com/LAMusing/status/350382108809773056
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

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  57. We have exotic drinks.
    austma7@aol.com

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  58. twitted this today, 27/06
    http://www.twitter.com/myspotme

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  59. bright colored cheery clothing
    tvollowitz at aol dot com

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  60. I tweeted
    https://twitter.com/Ilovemybeagle2/status/350468105119600641
    landfjacobson @ charter.net

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  61. Oh I love lots of the tropical flowers! I plant quite a few in the summer...and love the floral prints!
    landfjacobson @ charter.net

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  62. https://twitter.com/CarlyHobart/status/350518018369007616

    email in Blogger profile

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  63. I "exude style" by cooking Carribean food.

    email in Blogger profile

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  64. Girl i wear maxi's all the time and I like to take my drink of choice to the patio for that breeze through my hair!

    www.goodlooknout.com

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  65. sandals......sundresses
    ky_grandma40@yahoo.com

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  66. By wearing a light flowing dress and my favortie sandals

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  67. Carefree clothing and we eat at our favorite Caribbean Cafe often.

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  68. tweet
    https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/350657127024574464

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  69. I love to drink exotic drinks to get in a Caribbean state of mind. :)

    HilLesha(at)twc(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  70. I put on my fave reggae music and pick up some jerky chicken and fried plantains
    Diane Baum
    esldiane@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  71. with fun bright colors - regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com

    ReplyDelete
  72. twitted this today, 28/06
    http://www.twitter.com/myspotme

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  73. I throw on a little reggae, put in some braids, create some jerk chicken and open the rum!

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  74. Corn rows with little shells woven in.

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  75. https://twitter.com/ky2here1/status/350782018784735232

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  76. by relaxing and having fun!

    motioncitycutie(at)aol(dot)com

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  77. friends over relaxed comfy clothes good food and drink

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  78. https://twitter.com/eaglesforjack/status/350860453594931202

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  79. I like to listen to Bob Marley and drink Malibu rum with lime.

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  80. 100% cotton loose clothing with sandals and lots of iced/slushy drinks with friends!
    Angie
    14earth at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  81. I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/350995799209033729
    Angie
    14earth at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  82. I stay close to the rum, as far from stress as possible- and wear my sandals for as long as theres no snow on the ground ;)

    ReplyDelete
  83. By having cocktails on the deck. Makes me feel a little beachy with a fruity drink in my hand!
    nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  84. tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/351051713836355584
    nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  85. by trying to stay relaxed and carefree

    ReplyDelete
  86. twitted this today, 29/06
    http://www.twitter.com/myspotme

    ReplyDelete
  87. Cute sandels and a cute dress!

    ReplyDelete
  88. Cooking chicken on the grill out by the pool.
    marcia.goss@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  89. https://twitter.com/mgoss123/status/351144454507335681
    marcia.goss@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  90. With tropical themes & island food.

    ccboobooy at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  91. http://twitter.com/ccboobooy/status/351146077669429248

    ReplyDelete
  92. Spend a lot of time at the beach relaxing.

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  93. I am all about colors and enjoying serene and peaceful times by our nearby lake.
    tamarsweeps-at-gmail-dot-com

    ReplyDelete
  94. I live in Florida so I feel as though I constantly have a beachy vibe about me... I have the wavy hair, the beach wardrobe, the sunkissed skin and hair, it's a pretty fantastic life living on the Gulf of Mexico.... I moved here two years ago and prior to living here I would embrace the beach stateside by enjoying pool days with friends and spending time drinking fun drinks like pina colodas!

    ReplyDelete
  95. I live in sarongs and flip flops

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  96. Lounging on the deck with the grill going and a drink in hand while watching the sunset. That's relaxing!

    willitara [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  97. Tweet - https://twitter.com/willitara/status/351200545354162176

    willitara [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  98. I try to be as carefree as possible. It doesn't help to stress over everything. Thank you!
    crystalfaulkner2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  99. Two words - "jerk shrimp" Easy & delicious...Yum!
    dmarie824 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  100. I tweeted - https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/351361623459495936

    ReplyDelete
  101. I drink lots of frozen rum drinks!

    rounder9834 @yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  102. https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/351367906627555328

    rounder9834 @yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  103. wear a sundress ty,darkeve@care2.com vivian

    ReplyDelete
  104. drinking something fruity
    pokergrl8 at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  105. https://twitter.com/aes529/status/351392882768347139

    pokergrl8 at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  106. fresh fruit, twitted this today, 30/06
    http://www.twitter.com/myspotme

    ReplyDelete
  107. I usually add lots of flavor to my food

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  108. tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/351396783085191169

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  109. Crank up the reggae music and drink lots of malibu rum, tmtluvs2sweep@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  110. I try to chill out when im at home and remember awesome vaca trips

    ReplyDelete
  111. tweeted https://twitter.com/mermont84/status/351450557837344770

    ReplyDelete
  112. thischickwins said:

    i wear my old "Puerto Rico" embroidered bracelet

    thischickwins at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  113. https://twitter.com/bittripfan/status/351465680538828800 - Tweet

    ReplyDelete
  114. I listen to Bob Marley and chill in my hammock in the back yard :)

    runningmatey at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  115. putting on the summer wear, love my sundresses and keep the grill blazing :)
    classy_mommie@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  116. https://twitter.com/cancer_free_me/status/351524466628628481
    classy_mommie@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  117. We have an occasional Luau. Tiki lamps and all.
    dolniaks at consolidated dot net

    ReplyDelete
  118. https://twitter.com/smilekisses/status/351530362805043201
    dolniaks at consolidated dot net

    ReplyDelete
  119. by NAPPING! scg00387 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  120. https://twitter.com/DesMoinesDealin/status/354792902305652736 scg00387 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete