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:
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.
5. Paint your nails turquoise.
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
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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
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.
ReplyDeleteLove discovering your blog, and thanks for the sweepstakes!
ReplyDeleteGreat article! and Im loving the maxi Dress.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteI wear sandals and have barbecues!
ReplyDeletemami2jcn at gmail dot com
tweet:
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/345600095200366592
I cook Hawaiian pizza with pineapple and drink cocktails with pineapple juice
ReplyDeleteelena150980@yahoo.com
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/345608596555444225
ReplyDeleteelena150980@yahoo.com
we drink a lot of exotic drinks :)
ReplyDeletevanitizebaby at yahoo dot com
tweet
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/345620380125380608
vanitizebaby at yahoo dot com
we love fruit mixed drinks and I love a good maxi dress. amypugmire@live.com
ReplyDeletetweet. amypugmire@live.com
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/345628521403650051
maxi dress and sandles hdeanna 69 at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteflip flops, a flowing maxi dress and a great mixed drink llodter @ sbcglobal dot net
ReplyDeleteI put on a sun dress and flip flops!
ReplyDeletereklaw422 at hotmail dot com
I wear sandals, a maxi dress and sunglasses!
ReplyDeleteseashell210 at gmail dot com
tweeted! https://twitter.com/BoutiqueOfLuck/status/345701892921364480
ReplyDeleteseashell210 at gmail dot com
I exude a care-free Caribbean style by wearing dresses and bright colors.
ReplyDeletekellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom
tweet
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/345728770411483136
kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom
I love wearing a cute kate spade type dress with wedge heels! Color helps the care free in my come out!!
ReplyDeleterachelmarietravis at gmail dot com
I tweeted https://twitter.com/RMTSweeps/status/345898841394008065
ReplyDeleterachelmarietravis at gmail dot com
A maxi dress is a must!
ReplyDeleteShorts, tank top, flip flops, hat, and a BBQ.
ReplyDeletejslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
tweet - https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/347068517851467776
ReplyDeletejslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
Wear a sundress, flip flops and have a tropical drink.
ReplyDeletes2s2 at comcast dot net
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/347466333623029761
ReplyDeletes2s2 at comcast dot net
i'd like to try the lanai bound
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteamy [at] utry [dot] it
tweeted:
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/348362068866510848
amy [at] utry [dot] it
I wear sandals,bikini and go to the beach
ReplyDeletetina19820115@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/348452326358519808
ReplyDeletetina19820115@gmail.com
Go to the pool and close my eyes for a while. :)
ReplyDeletechambanachik at gmail dot com
i'd have to start with some music for the mood
ReplyDeletepry.school.1@gmail.com
tweet https://twitter.com/holly_gardens/status/348541045518254081 pry.school.1@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteFlip flops, maxi dress, drinks/cocktails and party!
ReplyDelete-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/348588527086362624
ReplyDeleteDefinitely listen to some Caribbean music and barbecue
ReplyDeletetweety800265(at)yahoo(dot)com
https://twitter.com/disneyfan40/status/348637456712728576
ReplyDeletetweety800265(at)yahoo(dot)com
I wear clothes that remind me of my vacation, listen to music, drink rum spiced cocktails and relax!
ReplyDeletemummytotwoboys@yahoo.com
Tweeted
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/349262122825416705
mummytotwoboys@yahoo.com
https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/349592563981877248
ReplyDeleteonefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
Summer dresses and sandals!
ReplyDeleteonefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
I get out bright decorations -- and throw a party with great food and drinks!
ReplyDeleteI wear a lot of sundresses
ReplyDeleteajoy1332 at yahoo dot com
https://twitter.com/ajoy1332/status/350100597124501504
ReplyDeleteajoy1332 at yahoo dot com
I put on Sandals and capris and relax.
ReplyDeleterhoneygtn at yahoo dot com
i am always wearing my sandals and we BBQ on the grill frequently
ReplyDeletedebbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com
tweeted:
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/bellows22/status/350221916474327043
debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com
i love bring color alot bright colors
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/350287439899799553
ReplyDeleteI exude Caribbean style by sitting on my deck with a tropical drink and imagining I am on a beach.
ReplyDeleteTweet
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/clc408/status/350359196966989825
I like to wear tropical prints, wear light clothes, like dresses and wear open shoes and sandles.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/350375589212979201
ReplyDeleteThanks
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
Grenadine goes well with everything
ReplyDeleteTiffany Lane
mckenziesmom1@hotmail.com
I wear loose, cool dresses, sunglasses and some bangle bracelets to get that Carib style.
ReplyDeleteadrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com
https://twitter.com/LAMusing/status/350382108809773056
ReplyDeleteadrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com
We have exotic drinks.
ReplyDeleteaustma7@aol.com
twitted this today, 27/06
ReplyDeletehttp://www.twitter.com/myspotme
by being laid back.
ReplyDeletebright colored cheery clothing
ReplyDeletetvollowitz at aol dot com
I tweeted
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/Ilovemybeagle2/status/350468105119600641
landfjacobson @ charter.net
Oh I love lots of the tropical flowers! I plant quite a few in the summer...and love the floral prints!
ReplyDeletelandfjacobson @ charter.net
https://twitter.com/CarlyHobart/status/350518018369007616
ReplyDeleteemail in Blogger profile
I "exude style" by cooking Carribean food.
ReplyDeleteemail in Blogger profile
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!
ReplyDeletewww.goodlooknout.com
sandals......sundresses
ReplyDeleteky_grandma40@yahoo.com
By wearing a light flowing dress and my favortie sandals
ReplyDeleteCarefree clothing and we eat at our favorite Caribbean Cafe often.
ReplyDeletetweet
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/eswright18/status/350657127024574464
I love to drink exotic drinks to get in a Caribbean state of mind. :)
ReplyDeleteHilLesha(at)twc(dot)com
I put on my fave reggae music and pick up some jerky chicken and fried plantains
ReplyDeleteDiane Baum
esldiane@gmail.com
with fun bright colors - regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com
ReplyDeletetwitted this today, 28/06
ReplyDeletehttp://www.twitter.com/myspotme
I throw on a little reggae, put in some braids, create some jerk chicken and open the rum!
ReplyDeleteCorn rows with little shells woven in.
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/ky2here1/status/350782018784735232
ReplyDeleteby relaxing and having fun!
ReplyDeletemotioncitycutie(at)aol(dot)com
friends over relaxed comfy clothes good food and drink
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/eaglesforjack/status/350860453594931202
ReplyDeleteI like to listen to Bob Marley and drink Malibu rum with lime.
ReplyDelete100% cotton loose clothing with sandals and lots of iced/slushy drinks with friends!
ReplyDeleteAngie
14earth at gmail dot com
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/350995799209033729
ReplyDeleteAngie
14earth at gmail dot com
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 ;)
ReplyDeletesome pineapple juice :)
ReplyDeleterelax and unwind
ReplyDeleteBy having cocktails on the deck. Makes me feel a little beachy with a fruity drink in my hand!
ReplyDeletenuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/351051713836355584
ReplyDeletenuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
by trying to stay relaxed and carefree
ReplyDeletetwitted this today, 29/06
ReplyDeletehttp://www.twitter.com/myspotme
Cute sandels and a cute dress!
ReplyDeleteCooking chicken on the grill out by the pool.
ReplyDeletemarcia.goss@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/mgoss123/status/351144454507335681
ReplyDeletemarcia.goss@gmail.com
With tropical themes & island food.
ReplyDeleteccboobooy at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/ccboobooy/status/351146077669429248
ReplyDeleteSpend a lot of time at the beach relaxing.
ReplyDeleteI am all about colors and enjoying serene and peaceful times by our nearby lake.
ReplyDeletetamarsweeps-at-gmail-dot-com
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!
ReplyDeleteI live in sarongs and flip flops
ReplyDeleteLounging on the deck with the grill going and a drink in hand while watching the sunset. That's relaxing!
ReplyDeletewillitara [at] gmail [dot] com
Tweet - https://twitter.com/willitara/status/351200545354162176
ReplyDeletewillitara [at] gmail [dot] com
I try to be as carefree as possible. It doesn't help to stress over everything. Thank you!
ReplyDeletecrystalfaulkner2000 at yahoo dot com
Two words - "jerk shrimp" Easy & delicious...Yum!
ReplyDeletedmarie824 at aol dot com
I tweeted - https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/351361623459495936
ReplyDeleteI drink lots of frozen rum drinks!
ReplyDeleterounder9834 @yahoo.com
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/351367906627555328
ReplyDeleterounder9834 @yahoo.com
wear a sundress ty,darkeve@care2.com vivian
ReplyDeletedrinking something fruity
ReplyDeletepokergrl8 at gmail.com
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/351392882768347139
ReplyDeletepokergrl8 at gmail.com
fresh fruit, twitted this today, 30/06
ReplyDeletehttp://www.twitter.com/myspotme
I usually add lots of flavor to my food
ReplyDeletetbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/351396783085191169
ReplyDeletetbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Rum cake!
ReplyDeleteCrank up the reggae music and drink lots of malibu rum, tmtluvs2sweep@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI try to chill out when im at home and remember awesome vaca trips
ReplyDeletetweeted https://twitter.com/mermont84/status/351450557837344770
ReplyDeletethischickwins said:
ReplyDeletei wear my old "Puerto Rico" embroidered bracelet
thischickwins at gmail dot com
go to the pool
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/bittripfan/status/351465680538828800 - Tweet
ReplyDeleteI listen to Bob Marley and chill in my hammock in the back yard :)
ReplyDeleterunningmatey at hotmail dot com
putting on the summer wear, love my sundresses and keep the grill blazing :)
ReplyDeleteclassy_mommie@yahoo.com
https://twitter.com/cancer_free_me/status/351524466628628481
ReplyDeleteclassy_mommie@yahoo.com
We have an occasional Luau. Tiki lamps and all.
ReplyDeletedolniaks at consolidated dot net
https://twitter.com/smilekisses/status/351530362805043201
ReplyDeletedolniaks at consolidated dot net
by NAPPING! scg00387 at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/DesMoinesDealin/status/354792902305652736 scg00387 at yahoo dot com
ReplyDelete