Wednesday, March 30, 2011

{Guest Post} I have crabs



Yes, I know it’s shocking. Yes, it’s even a little embarrassing. Please don’t look at me with that look of disdain. I wish it wasn’t this way. Maybe I could’ve been more careful. Maybe I should have been more selective with my partners. But maybe my story will help somebody else…avoid catching crabs.

Does it seem like every time you’re about to rise to a better position or climb out of a dead end job, something seems to grab you by the leg and pull you back down? You, my friend, may have crabs. Let us examine one of the greatest pandemics spreading through the African Diasporas worldwide.

They say fishing for crabs is a simple sport and is quite rewarding. Through I’m sure what has been a series of trials and errors, crab fishermen have discovered that there is no need to bother putting a lid on the bucket you are using to catch crabs. If there were one crab in the bucket it would surely crawl out very quickly. However, once you’ve tossed in a few crabs, they simply police themselves. Any ambitious crab that decides to make a run for freedom will find it all but impossible to scale the wall of the bucket and scramble over the top. It’s not that the bucket is too deep or slippery. It’s the seemingly odd behavior of the other crabs. As soon as one starts making a move to scramble over the others and out, its fellow crabs will reach out those long, sharp pincers and pull the errant crab back into the fray so that it will share the same fate as the rest of them. They don’t boost each other up or assist each other in their frantic quest to escape and regain their freedom. They do just the opposite! It appears that nobody escapes the crab bucket. That’s because no crab will allow another crab to move up and out…even if they have once entertained the same notion themselves.

No crab, it would seem, can stand to see another crab excel, so they thus keep each other trapped in the wide-open bucket, and they all wind up getting cooked. For them, pulling down or stepping on others is a fact of their existence. It is natural for them in the quest for success or when confronting failure. Any one of you reading this that has actually stepped out on faith, attempted to live out your dreams, desired more for yourself and/or your family has unconsciously encountered those whom you believe were hired to simply rain on your parade and give you countless facts on why it won’t work. It’s something that occurs regardless of your class, religion, sex or occupation. Crabs don’t discriminate! We have a notoriety of being a community that self hates. Just watch our television shows or listen to our music.

Unfortunately, people who aren’t supportive of our goals, and may make negative comments or even create obstacles to our success often surround us. Switching to medical terminology, by definition, crabs are small parasites that feed on human blood. In other words, they can only exist by being attached to someone else.

But let’s think about this from an outside-looking-in perspective. What if I were to introduce the notion that there is someone outside of the crab bucket, selecting certain crabs to take out. Thus creating a false mentality amongst the other crabs still left at the bottom that there is yet hope for them. They then have become a buffer between those fed up with their current circumstances and those of power and influence that have us looking at those “selected” as though they somehow betrayed us. When in actuality it was the “powers that be” that simply used the few to be a shield from the aggression and anger of those still at the bottom. If I lost some of you, think of it as the master using a “selected” slave to whip the others that got out of line. They no longer become mad at the master, they’re now angry with the one he used. Surely the one selected could’ve mastered a way of escape for everyone else, but in doing so they themselves would be in danger of losing their level of comfortability and risk being put back in with the rest.

Carter G. Woodson attempted to explain what was happening when he wrote in The Miseducation of the Negro, “If you can make a man believe that he is inferior, you don’t have to compel him to seek an inferior status, he will do so without being told and if you can make a man believe that he is justly an outcast, you don’t have to order him to the back door, he will go to the back door on his own and if there is no back door, the very nature of the man will demand that you build one.”

I come from a city that is infamous for having an “every man for themselves” mentality. It’s not the gangs that are fighting for territory; it’s the churches, the businesses and the people. Unless you have been co-signed, chances are you are destined to struggle in the bottom of the pan until it’s time for you to be cooked. Unfortunately, my city is like many of your own. What would happen if we decided to think differently and work together for the common cause of universal success? Yes Dr. King had a dream of racial harmony, but mine is one of racial congruency. Where we escape the crab mentality placed upon us, to finally walk into possession of the lives we were ordained to have. When I preach, it’s not just for the few that have made it beyond the veil of the secret society, it’s for everyone to grab hold of and use for their benefit.

In the event that you contract crabs, have had them in the past or simply want to avoid catching them, the CDC (Center For Disease Control), along with Pastor Mike, gives a few ways to prevent them:

Partners – Avoid contact with infested people. Negative influences, if not careful, will likely cause you to get tangled in the bottom of the bucket, and lose your drive to rise to the top. The fewer people that you allow close to you (in your inner circle), the lower the risk of contracting crabs. Whodini said it best, “FRIENDS! How many of us have them?”
Protection – Be careful of what you listen to and watch. What goes into you eventually has to come out of you.
Sharing – Not everything was meant to share…particularly your dreams. The God-given dreams and desires that reside in you, not everyone else can handle, particularly those that don’t dream at all.


GET FREE OR DIE TRYING!

Friday, March 25, 2011

Sanojah's Wedding Season Kick-Off

Time certainly flies when you are having fun. We had a great start to the first half of our wedding season. The Sanojah's Team was asked to make a presentation to junior high scholars on Event Management, an opportunity we were more than happy to say yes to. They were an enthusiastic bunch as we kept them entertained, broaching on the importance of being a TEAM

and why there is no I in TEAM, professionalism, branding and my favorite HARD WORK...while dispelling myths surrounding racial,and gender roll stereotypes. Did you know that outside of the Health Care profession Event Managements companies are managed by more females than males?
When this eager bunch finally nailed down who played what role on our team, it set off a slew of questions including summer internship opportunities, and tips on planning their parties. As Artist, Hospitality and Occupational Health specialist, we spoke on all of the dynamic roles we played and how they complimented the Sanojah's product. We are proud to be trend setters as young entrepreneurs offering a fair, holistic approach to all of our clients,team and partners.
As we step into wedding season 1 for 2011, we look forward to working with new industry professionals, and creating wonderful events with our team, at all of the gorgeous venues across this island. Follow us as we highlight the dream weddings of some fantastic brides to be. Our Color Chart and updated price list for 2011 is here so check it out. Also stay locked for more details on "Color It In" and find out how you can become a Sanojah's Bride. Remember sign up to receive details on our up coming show in.

Monday, March 21, 2011

25% Off Linen Offer



Now through March 31st 2011, bookings made on our in stock selection of chair ties, linen napkins and chair covers, get 25% off our already low prices.
Offer good for events dated to December 31st 2012 subject to 50% deposit paid on or before March 31st 2011. . Delivery and collection charges NOT included

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Great travel size goodies ideal for your honeymoon!



Body Essence - the island's experiential bath and body store

The Body Essence experience is a journey for the mind, body and spirit, a treat for the senses. It is more than simple superficial indulgence but true and essential refreshment of the soul.

Body Essence offers bath and body lines from Crabtree & Evelyn, and Carol's Daughter; and chic easy to wear yet affordable women's clothing

retailbarbados@yahoo.comOffice:(246) 437-2100Location:Peronne Village
Worthing, Barbados

Lee's Favorite Find...Shabby Apple


Shabby Apple features style tools such as Style Advice, Shop By Body Type.
(I can't stress how vital a tool this is.)

Vintage Inspired collections of which Central Park is my all time fav(wink!)

Other CATEGORIES include:
Bridesmaids
Maternity
Plus Size

All carrying excellent style options form planning your wedding to mommyhood. Not to mention, super cute dress deals for the little princess in your life in their under $50 section.

Awesome! Awesome!

Very excited to share this wonderful site with our up coming brides and mommy's to be.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Grow A Pizza Garden


Our Planting Grid

Here's a grid you can use to create your own pizza garden:
A. 2 'Husky Cherry Red' tomatoes
B. 1 'Golden Jubilee' tomato
C. 2 basil
D. 1 'Keystone Giant' bell pepper
E. 1 'Jalapeno' pepper
F. 1 oregano
G. 3 onion
H. 2 rosemary
I. 5 thyme

http://www.bhg.com/gardening/vegetable/vegetables/pizza-garden/?page=11

ORCHID SALE Calling ALL Orchid Lovers!




Call ORCHID WORLD GROVES ST. GEORGE TEL#:246 433-0306 FOR DETAILS

Bouquets 101

The Posy Bouquet
The posy is round and small and can easily be held in one hand. There are two styles of posy bouquets, one can be loose, hand tied and unstructured, the other formal and wired, the stems of the flowers are removed and replaced with florists wire, constructed into a much lighter posy with and easy to hold handle.
These two styles are widely used where the natural stems are wrapped in a beautiful satin, velvet or organza ribbon and some embellished with pearl pins and beading trims.

The Nosegay Bouquet
Traditionally the nosegay was a small round shaped bunch of flowers and herbs, often containing more greenery than other bouquets and mounted in a tussie-mussie (a small, Victorian style, metal or glass, cone-shaped holder).

It came back in fashion in the 1980's as a tight posy of small flowers with a stiff tulle backing. It was very popular with flowergirls and bridesmaids. In modern times it has been revived and reinvented with additions of lovely satin and organza ribbons and larger floral arrangements.

The Tussy-Mussy
The tussy mussy first appeared in France during the eighteenth century. A nosegay bouquet in a small metal hand-held vase. Some have attached ring chains for easy carrying.

They were used primarily during the Victorian Era and considered art forms as each one was unique. The vase or cone could be made from pewter, cobalt glass, silver, gold, porcelain, plastic and even beaded.
You have the option of tying lace and ribbons to the tussy mussy to dress it up. Today, the tussy mussy elegantly displays the bouquets on your reception table during the wedding festivities, and then serves as a lovely keepsake for the bride and bridesmaids.

The Biedermeier Bouquet
The biedermeier bouquet is European-influenced. The blooms are tightly-structured and carefully-arranged in defined circular patterns of different coloured flowers, each ring containing one type of flower.

Originating in Switzerland in the late 1800's, often orange and lemon peels were added for extra frangrance. A bouquet similar to the nosegay and named for a German style of interior design. The biedermeier has a very pleasing geometry and is recently showing signs of popularity again due to its dramatic beauty and contrast.

The Arm Sheaf Bouquet or Presentation Bouquet
The arm sheaf bouquet first became popular in the early 1900's under the name of Bernhardt bouquets; inspired by the presentation bouquets given to the actress of the day, Sarah Bernhardt. They are long stemmed flowers and foliages that the bride carries cradled in her arm, also known as a presentation bouquet.

It is a stunning alternative to more traditional styles of bouquets, it is very chic, and best suited to modern style weddings. Tastefully designed to be cradled in the bride's arm and can be as simple or as elaborate as she likes.
They can be single-ended, with stems showing at one end, or double-ended with no stems showing. A gorgeous ribbon provides the finishing touch. Popular floral choices for arm bouquets are calla lilies, gladiolus, orchids, long-stemmed roses, delphiniums, and larkspur.

The Composite-Flower Bouquet
The composite-flower bouquet dates from the early 20th century, mostly used for brides with an unlimited budget. This bouquet is a variation of the round bouquet.

A flower constructed of hundreds of real petals wired together to look like one enormous flower. This style is simplistic in design, but graceful and elegant. It works well in more intimate, sophisticated weddings.
Although featured recently in high fashion magazines, this specialised and time-consuming technique is yet to regain its former popularity. However, a single large daisy stands alone with its striking colour, adding the finishing touches of satin or organza ribbons to bring out it natural beauty. Perfect for the bride who loves simplicity.

The Fan Bouquet
The fan bouquet, is a simple bouquet of flowers attached to a lacy plastic fan. Popular in the late eighties, they were embellished with carnations, baby's breath and plenty of ribbon.
This style of bouquet is reminiscent of the Victorian Era, and is popular for old-fashioned, vintage style or Asian-inspired weddings. Perfect for brides who want something a little different.

The Crescent Bouquet
The crescent bouquet appears in the shape of a quarter moon, a soft arch, using distinguished flowers with definite shapes, often orchids, wired together to form a slender handle that you can hold in one hand. These bouquets are true floral art and an individualist representation of the bride's personality. This style is perfect for sophisticated and contemporary weddings.
Flowers are usually tapered and extended at each end while the center is more compact. It can be symmetrical or not, the left and right side of the bouquet is seen flowing down and has only one trailing stem. This style of bouquet is best carried below the waist to show off its unique beauty.

The Muff Bouquet
The Muff bouquet was very popular in Europe and was created in the early centuries and borne out of neccessity.
In mid winter, the bride's hands would sit into the muff, a lovely corsage-shaped bouquet attached at the front. Unusual and unique, a perfect choice for a winter wedding.
This bouquet is lovely with long evening gloves.

The Prayerbook Bouquet or Bible Spray
The prayerbook bouquet is a small prayer book or bible used as the platform upon which a small bouquet is placed. The design may be a small cluster of flowers the size of a corsage which is placed on top of the prayer book and can be attached with ribbons or a small armature to prevent damage to the book.
Another way of carrying a prayer book is to place a single flower stem through the center of the book. The prayerbook or Bible spray bouquet is a sign of faith and spirit. A long-time favourite of devout brides. While a traditional choice, it can be designed in a contemporary way.

Shower bouquet or Cascading Bouquet
The cascading bouquets were originally referred to as shower bouquets. Also known as a teardrop bouquet or trail bouquet. These replaced the fashion of posies around the time of 1910. This style became exaggerated by 1920, with much larger bouquets, so large they almost concealed the bride. They reached their peak from 1920 - 1930's until WWII.
The Cascading bouquet, which is the most formal and most traditional of bouquets, is designed to spill gracefully over the bride's hands as it flows downward for a sophisticated and stylized look, almost any flower can be used in this style.
The bouquet is roundish at the top but pointy at the bottom. The traditional shower bouquet is known as the large multi-trail bouquet, subsequently renamed the princess in honour of the late Princess Diana and her impressive bridal bouquet. The modern smaller version is called the teardrop bouquet or trail bouquet.

The Pomander Bouquet or Kissing Ball
The pomander bouquet is also known as a kissing ball. A pomander is a ball of flowers suspended from a loop of decorative ribbon.
Adult attendants can carry pomanders, but young attendants such as flower girls and junior bridesmaids most often carry them.
More pictures of floral pomander balls.
Learn how to make a pomander bouquet in 20 minutes.

The Wreath or Flower Hoop Bouquet
The hand-tied bouquet is a loose-tied arrangement. These hand tied styles are also referred to as clutch bouquets.
This type of bouquet consists of a simple gathering of flowers, bound and tied with ribbon with stems left exposed. Queen Anne's lace, phlox and cosmos are magnificent examples of this style.
This is a beautiful choice for an outdoor wedding with that just picked from the garden look. It is arranged in a looser manner with the stems left longer and a large ribbon or exotic fabric tied together.

The Wrist Bouquet or Flower Bracelet Bouquet
A wrist bouquet or flower bracelet is a small flower bouquet worn on the wrist. More corsage than bouquet, this style is comprised of a small floral arrangement. Flowers and foliage are mounted on a small base attached to a strong elastic bracelet fitted around the wrist.
A great alternative to a traditional bouquet. Worn by brides and bridesmaids who want the look of a bouquet, but want the freedom of having their hands free. The wrist corsage can be made in any combination of flowers and is occasionally complimented with ribbons and beads.

The Ballerina Bouquet
The ballerina bouquet, is a round bouquet composed of masses of tulle or net and few flowers. This type of bouquet was popular in the early 1940s when flowers were scarce due to World War II.
For modern brides, a ballerina bouquet offers a cost-effective, yet beautiful solution for a tight floral budget.

The Basket Bouquet
The basket bouquet has flowers arranged in a beautifully shaped shallow basket and is usually and more often used in a garden or garden-like wedding settingThe basket bouquet may be carried by the bride, but are most popular with and often carried by flower girls and junior bridesmaids.
The small basket keeps their little hands occupied and out of mischief.

The Scepter Bouquet
The scepter bouquet gives a dramatic accent to your wedding day, it takes the shape of an over-sized wand.
The handles are extra long, entwined with ribbon, cording, ornaments etc.
The scepter bouquets are suitable for any wedding occasion and may be carried by any member of the wedding party.

The Cone Bouquet
The cone bouquet, as the name implies, forms a cone shape. This style bouquet works best for bridesmaids and flower girls..
Depending upon the flowers and foliage selected, this bouquet will compliment any casual or formal event.

Thanks to
http://www.perfect-wedding-day.com/bridal-bouquet-types.html

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Color It In!!!!!!!!!!!!!




HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME A SANOJAH'S BRIDE?

REGISTER NOW AND YOU COULD WIN A FREE WEDDING!

TO REGISTER:
SEND US AN EMAIL TITLED "I WANT TO BECOME A SANOJAH'S BRIDE (2012-2013)"

FORWARD US YOUR CONTACT INFO TO events@sanojahs.com SO THAT WE CAN KEEP YOU UP TO DATE WITH DEVELOPMENTS.

ONLY COUPLES ATTENDING THE SHOW WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BENEFIT FROM ALL PRIZES ON OFFER.

Gun Powder, Plot and Intrigue!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

The Wedding Salon – West Hollywood, CA

The Wedding Salon from Switzerfilm on Vimeo.

Lee's Favorite Find

The Girl's Guide to Being a Boss (Without Being a Bitch): Valuable Lessons, Smart Suggestions, and True Stories for Succeeding as the Chick-in-Charge

Today's favorite find I think needs to be in the desk and hand bags of some Chicks-in-charge. Ladies you know what I mean. We've got our degrees, positions on the board, heads of governmental post and we've forgotten the basics..... "understanding the power of femininity".

Being a Chick-in-charge is certainly not about exercising external force and having things done your way, but understanding the power you possess within.

Be more like Esther
She was a person of faith, goodness, devotion and courage. She built upon these characteristics, combining with them a sense of grace and watchfulness.
Her grace and her beauty gave her favor amongst all that she came in contact with.

Be more like Boudica
Queen of the Iceni 3060 A.D, she displayed unbelievable qualities, such as honour, strength, leadership, intelligence, beauty, and incredible depth. She led an uprising against the occupying forces of the Roman Empire.

Be more like Amina Nigerian Queen

A great military leader.

Or even

Hatshepsut

She was a powerful political person in Egypt, even before she assumed the title of Pharaoh. She had a peaceful reign promoting trade and the arts.

Be like our sister of the soil Dame Nita


try throwing your weight around less and let your grace gave you favor amongst all that you "sit on covered bistro chairs with".