Who Wants A Koozie? {it’s a givaway!} but now its over.

SORRY FOLKS -COMMENT SECTION IS CLOSED. 

Check Here {tomorrow} For The Winner! And keep reading just for the fun of it.  Check back for more give-aways!
This is by far the most needed item when you live on St. Croix.  A Koozie.  Bottle & Can.  You’ll need several of them because they are cousins to socks getting lost in the dryer.  You never know where they are…where you left them, or who snatched your totally cool koozie at your last party.

We give these out like candy.  Here is our little guy, posing with a Mocko Jumbie can koozie:

But, we are all out of those I just wanted to show you how darn cute he was…and still is (ask him to tell you a secrete and you’ll get yourself a free wet-willy)

How about one of these:

Super-top-of-the-line-neoprene quality-Caribbean Blue Fish With Carl Koozie!!! And it can be YOURS! These babies will keep your bottled beverage of choice nice and cool while you savor the flavor.  No need to gulp it down in the {Texas} heat.  Take your time.  Day dream a little about St. Croix….paradise……sand in strange places….They snuggly fit your preferred brew of choice but also work great over glass baby bottles and a variety of kids’ sippy cups.  Such a VERSITILE product it is!  Who knew? and here is the back view if you wanted to know zip it up!

 HERE IS HOW YOU CAN WIN ONE:

All you have to do is tell me your favorite thing about St. Croix (if you have ever been here) OR if you have NEVER been to St. Croix tell me WHY you want to visit my paradise home.  Leave a comment below the post – comment as many times as you want- it just has to be a different reason each time!  Be sure to leave your email address or I can’t get back to you.

The comments’ Authors will go into a random drawing in which The Fisherman will select a response AT RANDOM to receive a FWC Koozie.  I will then email you to hit you up for your mailing address, not charge you a dime for postage, and be thankful you’re reading my blog and want a koozie.

I’m going to keep the contest open for a few days so spread the word!

 

Thanks All.  Pretty damn easy.  Forward to all of your friends.  Now….GO!

xo-
bfm

Stand Tall, It Gets A Little Better.

Here is the scoop:  St. Croix now has stand-up-paddle or SUP as the cool people call it. 

Not sure how long the business has been here, but it was my guess that it originated in California about 20 years ago and is just now reaching us.  St. Croix tends to be about 20 years behind the times.  To my suprise, not the case.  It orginated in Hawaii and has a pretty cool history.  Keep reading.

Meet  Pi (yes.  pronouced PIE)

The inspiration & trainer behind this sport (who also looks adorably cute although she could kick you butt with those rock hard thighs) .  Here is the real history behind the sport.  I don’t need to re-hash it.  I want to tell you how our experience went down.

Normally, you can find her at Sandcastlse on the Beach Resort, but she agreed to meet us down the way at Rainbow Beach (my favorite beach).  Five ladies. Who would rather sit on the beach kid-less than get their lazy butts on a not-so-stable looking board. 

But we were all good sports and commenced.  Pi gave us a quick lesson and made it sound as easy as….PIE!!! (oh, that one just came to me)  In a nut shell:  hop on the board when you get in the water,

 knees down,

roll or step up holding paddle,

insert paddle in the water to go.

Um.  Ya.  Not quite that easy Pi.  We all made it to the standing position eventually.  I was the first to show off and fall.  Once you were up, the hardest part was finding your own balance.  I felt if I stood tall, realaxed my knees (which she did stress) I had my balance easier.  If I stopped to take photos, the board would start wobbling.  It was easier to keep moving than it was for me to stay still. 

We paddled along the beautiful Rainbow Beach area in Frederiksted.  Our plan was to paddle to Coconuts  for a quick beverage, then back.  Well, it took longer than we thought.  We would stop, lay on our boards to relax.  Fall, er, I mean jump in the water to cool off.  Just plain sit and enjoy the beauty of silence.  That was just what we all needed.

We rented the boards for an hour and guess what?  It really was not that difficult.  It helped that the water was flat calm (which it normaly is that side of the island).  Each of us fell.  Some more than others.  Some sat & paddled,

some staid standing.  Some just laid and relaxed.  The level of difficulty is rather low.  The amount of energy needed to stand, balance & paddle is low as well.  I even managed to get them still for a group photo:

Is the water really that blue? WOW!

Look at how cute & hot they all look on those boards!  Anyone can do this.  And you should too.

Then of course, to celebrate the hour-long adventure, we popped a bottle of champagne,

toasted our friend’s birthday, enjoyed a beautiful sunset

then mosy-ed to Lost Dog for some grub.  Those picutres, well, they accidentially got deleted.

I don’t know the facts regarding Pi’s business.  If you are interested in doing this, she will meet you at the beach of your choice  if you have a group of people.  But, listen to her advice.  She is the expert. email her at teresveho@yahoo.com to find out more.  Check out her site Teres Veho

FYI- Stand Tall artist Dirty Heads, go down load it.  Freaks from the Pacific.

 

The View From The Shitter.

I’m a quote kinda gal.  I need to see things on a daily basis as a reminder of what life is all about.  I used to scribble my weight loss goals on the shower wall.  It helps.  Me.

So, here is the latest.  A bit cliché, but a cute parody on one of my favs, Keep Calm and Carry On.

It hangs beautifully on the wall in front of our toilet.  A reminder I see every day.  But the best part is that SC knows the words, and I can hear her singing it when she is going poop.

etsy seller thepixelprince, $16.  Gallows Bay Frame, a not so cheap but honest work custom frame shop, $95 matted & framed.

This Doesn’t Suck.

Have you ever encountered a work email (or anyone’s email for that matter) that was filled with fluff and crap that you just thought, “Get to the point?”  Or, have you been on the other side where you have been trying to compose the simplest email, but want to sound professional at the same time?

HAVE NO FEAR!  UNSUCK IT IS HERE!

Well, of course I love the name and thought it was a new porn site I needed to, um, pass along to “those people”.  But, it was actually better and I spent way too much time at work checking it out.  Cause I am guilty of the latter above.  Can’t I just say what I need to say?  Yes, and they can help you.  It’s a compilation of trendy catch phrases that dorks have invented to sound smarter, when in actuality, they just need to say what they mean but can’t because they have spent their entire pre-teen through now adult career chatting, texting and masturbating with something electronic and not a real person.  Then, they tell you how to say what you really mean because that is what you are used to.  People telling you what to do.

Leave all that crappy you-think-you’re-cool-business-jargon for game night with your geeky friends.  Browse the site alphabetically by phrase or do a search. because there is more than one way to skin a cat.

My Faves:

Rightsize, Rightsizing = Chicken shit for downsizing.

Pre Plan = Plan.  (duh)

Advise = Inform, notify, tell, help.  I am super guilty of this one when asking for something.

Calendarize = Schedule.  I know someone who uses this and it bugs the shit outta me.  Let’s just say SCHEDULE, please.

Social Media Guru = Douche Rocket.  No offense to the SMG that I know, this one made me blow snot outta my nose onto my desk.

And, Well, tickle their taint, if your search doesn’t turn anything up, you better believe they’re working on it.

ooohhhh….Just take a few minutes now.  Even if you are at work.  If you get caught, you can totally use the excuse that you are trying to edit an email.  I did.

Zig’s Father, Bob.

Remember my recommendation about Ziggy Marley’s Family Time album?  Super fun, upbeat-reggae-ish music the entire family will enjoy and more importantly, won’t make you gouge your eyeballs out listening to it over and over again?  And, your heart WILL melt when you hear your young’n sing randomly “I love you too, I love you tooooooooo, I looooovvvvveeeee yooooouuuuu…”  SC calls him Ziggly Marley.  Cute.

Well, here’s the thing. His dad was named Bob.  Bob Marley.  Heard of him?  Of course you have.  Remember that time you got high listening to his reggae pretending you were in Kingston fighting the man for freedom?  Oh, you don’t?  That’s what pot smoking will do to you.

So, yes, we all know Bob.  King of Reggae.  How can you not start to wriggle your hips…dream of tropical locales….umbrella drinks when you hear his voice. 

What about the kids?  They should be exposed to him, too.  Especially if you live in the Caribbean, right?  And at the same time, get your kids to sleep?

The folks over at Rockabye Baby have converted many of your favorite rock, punk, grunge music into lullabies.  And it is the coolest thing ever.  We own Tool (The Fisherman’s fav), Bob Marley, Smashing Pumpkins, The Beatles, Nirvana….but their list goes on and on.  I wonder what Metallica sounds like as a lullaby?  Kind of scared.

iTunes has them, Amazon has the MP3 and CD versions.  I recommend you check them out.  Find your favorite artist and expose your kids to them in this simple way.  If you are lucky enough, like I TOTALLY am, they will drift right into slumber land……SC has for 3 years now!

Still In Love With Phil & Ted

The stroller.  Remember?  I did not need a whole lot for the second offspring, so I splurged on the stroller.  I did.  And so happy I did.  The Phil & Ted Sport with Jump Seat.  Navy.  I use it HOPEFULLY 3-4 or more times a week.  It has TOTALLY helped me lose the SJ lbs.

Why do I love it?  Because it is versitile and functional.  Two kids…one kid.  I have the option to switch it up.  It is really easy to manuever even on our jacked-up streets and no-having sidewalk town.  It has been to Texas and back 3 times, abused by American Airlines thank you very much.

I washed and scrubbed the fabric last week and it is like a brand new stroller!  Almost Armor All-ed the tires, but The Fisherman said that was taking it a bit too far.

PROS:

1. The frame is really heavy duty, but still lightweight enough for me to use as an everyday stroller.  This is most beneficial to me where I live.  Rinky-dink shit strollers just won’t cut it here.
2. Handel bar adjusts.  I just recently started using this feature.  Down when I am strolling through town and need room for my beverages.  Up when I am jogging.
3. Jump Seat attaches to the front.  I RARELY used this feature because I was unaware of it.  I wish I knew about it sooner.  It is PERFECT for younger babes who can sit up pretty well.  It keeps them high.  Looks cool.
4. Tires.  Heavy duty inner tube style.  They can withstand a lot, but are NO MATCH for the damn bouganvilla thorns I come across.  Air pump, patch kit and spare tube are always in the basket.  Easy to change.
5. Versatility.  I just have one stroller. This is perfect for my lifestyle, and maybe not yours.  But, I don’t want to lug around a double, a light weight, a buggy, etc.  Who needs all that shit.  This one stroller does it all for me.  My 3 year old and 15mos old are both comfy in either seat, front or back (P&T recommends heavy child in the back).  Only one kid on my morning jog?  Not a problem.  Two kids?  Pop that easy jump seat on and we are so good to go.

CONS:  Unfortunately, there are some.

1. Fabric is FADE RESISTANT, not fade proof.  What?  In my harsh sunny-happy-paradise environment, the navy fabric has faded to a…faded blue.  I scrubbed it after a year, it does look brighter.  If the stroller is not in the back of the SUV, it is on my shaded porch, out of the sun.  Hmm…maybe Scotch Gaurd might work.
2. One mis-step of a child getting into the back jump seat and into the lower storage basket could easily result in torn fabric.  Looks ratty.  Probably can be sewn.  My point is, for the amount of money spent on the wheels, the fabric should withstand kids, ’cause its gonna happen.
3. Handle bar cushion has split, broken a little bit.  Again, for the money…
4. No drink holders!  Not a biggie.  There are several attachable to choose from or you can make your own.
5. Sun shade is crappy.  Does not provide that much coverage.  you would think this would of been a big deal in my decision making, but, it wasn’t.  I tried to “make my own” sun shade, then realized some other smart mom beat me to the punch and is now selling them on Amazon and making a bazillion dollars.  Damn her.  But I bought it and it works terrifically.

Versatility and functionality for MY lifestyle are what makes this stroller PERFECT for me.  After a year of LOTS of use by two kids, I am still very happy I spent the money on it. And it still has lots of life left.  Look for it on Craig’s list soon.  Maybe.

Prickly Heat.

And it is ONLY the end of April.  Not looking forward to the summer months.

What is Prickly Heat you ask?  Heat Rash.  Which is what I used to call it until now, since I fully understand the depth of P R I C K L Y   H E A T.

Both kids had a good run of it from staying at their sitter’s house, who like to keep it nice and warm.  They run around all day and don’t get much of a chance to cool down.  The heat bumps surface because the pores on the skin get clogged with sweat, dirt, debris.  If they never get the chance to cool & dry out, the rash appears.  It occurs in children & infants more often because their sweat glands are not fully developed.  Most of the time, it surfaces around the neck, and upper body, diaper area, but can really be anywhere.  Even under your boobs.

Which is where I have it right now.  This island was a free-for-all-sauna when we returned from Texas.  And POOF!  Bumpy, itchy, red, blotchy, ugly, not-so-sexy- skin right along the bra line.  Have a visual?  I’ll spare you a photo.

Last summer, I had it so bad on my back, I literally thought I had a colony of ants nesting between my shoulder blades.  Turns out, I should not wear the same excercise bra two days in a row.  Now I know.  Which led me to this…

How do you get rid of it?  First, live in an environment with 0% humidity.  Live in a house with central A/C.  Live with out the sun.  Not possible?  Then try these:

Corn Starch:  Cheap, easy, kids love to play in it.  You don’t need any fancy-smancy baby powder or expensive “heat-rash” powder.  It’s all the same.  Save money and time and get good ol’ fashion corn starch.  I also purchased a cheap, large cosmetic powder brush.  This is the fun part.  Let the kids help.  Give the infected area a dusting heap of the powder to keep area dry.  I usually do this after a bath and in the morning when getting them dressed.  Send a whole can to your sitter’s/daycare and ask them to keep up with it during the day.  Moisture is your enemy.  Keep it away with cornstarch.

Oatmeal:  Don’t eat it.  Bathe in it.  IF you happen to have a bath tub.  I don’t.  But I can put it in the ghetto plastic tub I use to bathe my kids.  They think they are part of breakfast.  Big game we play.  WHHHHEEEEEE!  Kids in the Oatmeal!  Gotta Love it.

Cotton:  Try wearing cool, lightweight 100% cotton clothing that does not retain heat.

…and my favorite Prickly Heat remedy……

Amber Necklace!  My kids don’t just wear them because they are super cute, because they are (THEY ARE!)  While researching amber’s qualities for teething purposes, I came across info declaring it also aides in heat rash.  WHA?  SIGN ME UP!  I purchased one at a local medicine doctor health-store for $20.  I’d wasted more money on other things, so why the heck not?  I’d try it on both kids and if it worked, I would purchase another.  I put it on SC one day when she was going to the hot sitter’s house.  She already had a bit of an out break around her neck.  When I picked her up that afternoon, her rash was NOT red, flared or inflamed.  In fact, it had SUBSIDED.  After about a week, it was completely gone!  The Fisherman “ordered” me to purchase another one for SJ, who at the time was only a few months old and was suffering as well.  Both chil’ren have been wearing the necklaces for over 7 months non-stop.  This week was the first time since they started wearing it that the heat rash has returned.  Not bad, if you ask me. 

 A question I get a lot when explaining the amber necklaces is “Does it help with teething?”  Not sure.  SJ has not learned to express himself in such a way that he says “Hey Ma, thanks for putting this hip necklace ’round my neck.  The chics dig it and it really makes these jagged spears sprouting from my tender gums feel a bit better.”

MIL sent us one of her amber necklaces given to her as a gift from one of their  Russian exchange students.  You might find ME wearing it at home!

Amber necklaces can be found a many on-line retail location.  On St. Croix, Re-nuatum Spa in 5 Corners sells them.  In America, you could probably find them at every gas station, or for sure at Whole Foods, Central Market (shit, probably even Wal-Mart; from here on out referred to as Wally World)

NOTE:
I am not a doctor, nor am I pretending to be.  I am a barefoot mom.  Should prickly heat rashes get worse and fail to resolve within a few weeks, you should seek the advice of your doctor or a dermatologist to determine if infection is present. You should also contact a doctor if the rash seems worse and fever is present. In most cases, prickly heat will resolve within a few weeks without medical attention or intervention.  In most cases, if you live on a tropical island, the heat rash will return & haunt you forever.

Everybody’s Got To eat.

@ Cane Bay.  Have you tried it yet?

The couple famous for dishing out their love at Bacchus for 10? years, has a new baby.  eat.  Housed in the infamous ol’ Cane Bay Beach Bar location on the North Shore. Even in my short 7 years on St. Croix, we have seen it go through many owners and food fare.

Once again, Frank & Catherine got it right.  And of course they did.  Look at their background. 

The Fisherman actually had a day off recently, SC was in school, so we opted for a casual lunch on a beautiful day on the North Shore with SJ in tow.  It’s nice to eat where they dish his fish.

We had already heard the rumors about how great the food was and we already know how terrific the view is.  But Katherine’s style shines through with the serene atmosphere and muted colors of this upscale beach bar.  What was once a wildly colored, old license plate ridden, mis-matched, ordinary beach bar on some tropical island, has now been transformed into a real place to chill.  And it is still all about the love.  The patrons at the bar still face the water.  A new lounge area as been added close to the bar where diners can sit in an even more relaxed atmosphere, if you can believe that.  And really, one of my favorite parts is that EVERYTHING matches.  This might seem silly, but I realize the thought that went into this.  The tables, the posts, the menus, the pillows in the lounge area.  It all comes together  to create a feeling. Add the low-key, best of the best reggae music playing softly in the background and my feeling was “ahhhhhhh, let me just sit here for a while, eat my eat and drink my drink.”

Speaking of eat & drink.  The rumor about the foie-gras burger is true.  It is absolutely delish.  And don’t ruin it by smothering it in cheese of any kind.  Let it stand on its own.  Frank, we know you didn’t invent it, but you sure as hell perfected it.  In addition to this delectable, the have build your own burgers, brisket, salads, c-food, unique sides like sweet potato fries, a fabulously chill Reggae Brunch on Sunday…what ever time you can make it…and so much more.

And the drinks.  Kick ass margaritas.  My fav (that day) was Put da Lime in da Coconut.  Cruzan Vanilla Rum, Coco Lopez and some other yummy stuff that escapes me right now.  And no serving in chintzy plastic cups or styros (unless you ask).  Our liquids were elegantly, and rightfully so, served in Mexican glass-colbalt rimmed vessels.  We’re in the Caribbean for pete’s sake!  Thank you for dressing things up a bit!  And, even though we live here, in Vacation Land, I like to transform MYSELF to other vacation lands.  And did so by drinking out of that glass.  Like no other restaurant.

The Obvious.  The view.  Hey, its Cane Bay Beach.  Its beautiful.  Its fun to watch the scuba divers tramp in and out from the beach.  The dogs frolic looking for a free meal (exactly how long has Asa been there?), the chics bathing in their bikinis and so on.

Do yourself a favor and go check it out.  With out kids at first.  So you can relax, enjoy and let it soak in that you live here.  Or want to live here.

footnote:  Upon sitting down, we were approached by a sweet couple, “Carl, Anna?”  Um yes, who are YOU?  Fans.  Well, actually old clients from my days at GoTo.  They own a terrific for rent condo out east and have kept us with us over the years.  Had a terrific chat.  Congratulated them on their property purchase and dreams of FINALLY building their Caribbean bungalow.  My point is, small island, where everyone knows everyone, even if they don’t live here full-time, part-time or anytime.  It was great to see them and catch up.  Cheers, Carusos!  Hope your staying warm!

Fizzie Izze.

I’ve read about these yummy, sparkly drinks in some of my favorite mags like Coastal Living & Sunset and thought, Ahh, those look like they want me to drink them, and then reality set in of NO WAY IN HELL would I find them on my island, they are way too cool.

I am part of a food co-op on island (though rarely take advantage of the bulk prices) and had seen these for sale on the list…but cost out weighed the want.  They are an indulgence.  But, then again, aren’t juiceboxes???

Then.  Yesterday.  Grocery shopping at Plaza (east).  There they were.  In the bulk beverage aisle across from the dairy products.  12pack variety of Izze.  AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!  Someone must of messed up big time! (like the time we found Blue Bell Ice Cream in Puerto Rico)

At just $18.99. Ehhhh. I squinced.  $1.58 a bottle. Let me give it a whirl.  I’ve spent more money on worse things….

The box was the first thing I removed from the car when I got home, and immediately put one of each flavor in the fridge to get cold.  This variety pack was Sparkling pomegranate, Sparkling Blackberry & Sparkling Clementine (which is what I wanted to name a daughter)

Clementine was my first, and at first sip became my favorite.

Until I had Blackcherry at dinner.  Yum O.  Today, I will try pomegranate, and I doubt it will leave a disappointing taste.  They are fizzie like a ginger ale or sprite, but with a PUNCH of unique flavor.  No boring Cran-Rasberry here!  All Natural.  Nothing Artificial.  And the calorie count and sugar is not enough to prevent me from drinking them. 

Oh My Darlin’ Clementine!!!! (do you know the song?  My Daddy used to sing it to me)  The colors are as beautiful to look at as they are to quench my thirst.  The bottle cap is too cute…saving for my bottle cap magnets.

So yummy & refreshing, just what this mommy needs!  So, back off, these puppies are mine! Unless I am hosting a playdate at my house, then I’ll make sure there are plenty for the moms!

 …now, if someone could just mess up and send Topo Chico.

Easy-Pleasy Teethies

SJ has almost as many teeth as he does months: 8 teeth/9months.  I recently (several months ago) came across what seemed to be an simple, all natural, teething biscuit recipe.  Let’s try it!  Beats the store bought crap (although SJ LOVES the store bought crap!)

This homemade teething biscuit recipe comes from Chic Mummy.  Another SAHM just trying to do her best, like mu-wah, who happens to live on the other side of the world.

Total time, this recipe takes close to an hour.  The perfect stress reliever while the kids slept.  Kneading dough is like therapy, if you know what I mean.  OK, let’s get on with the show (as SC likes to say).

Pre-Heat your oven to 300 degrees.

Put in a bowl and mix until dough begins to hold together:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup wheat flour
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened apple puree/sauce

 

Form dough into ball and knead for about three minutes on flour dusted counter. NOTE:  My dough set very quickly.  It was very tense.  Did not want to stretch, but not sticky at all.

Next, Roll it and pat it and mark it it with a….oh, wait, never mind.  Just roll dough out about 1/3 inch thick.

This part, you can have fun with.  You can cut out really any shape you want.  My sister used a dog-bone shaped cookie cutter.  People thought her kids were eating doggie treats.  You can use any cookie cutter you like, a biscuit cutter, or heck, how about a glass???

I used a glass to cut circles, and then a smaller glass to cut the middle out.  This way, SJ had little rounds to hold onto, and his super-hero sister got her own cookie (assuming she wanted them, and of course, she did).

Place on greased or parchment paper lined cookie sheet and pop these puppies in the oven for 35 minutes or until slightly brown.

When they are done, resist the urge to throw one in your tots hands; the’ye HOT!  Let them cool completely, then your little one can enjoy the sweet goodness.  I’ll admit, they are H A R D, but they are supposed to be that way.  SJ gnawed on a roundie our entire drive out west, and just barely finished it.  I know this will keep him busy sitting in the grocery cart at Plaza!  The Fisherman and I tried one and, yes, they are hard, but they are super good and not soo sweet.  The maple syrup really shines in this recipe.  But are they supposed to be this hard??????  That Chic Mummy suggests you can leave these out over night to harden EVEN MORE (no thank you) and store in air-tight container for up to 2 weeks.

Either way, we’ll work with them.  Both SJ and Super Hero Sister seem to like them. 

Because I had all the ingredients at home, I’m not out anything, and of course, they were fun for me to make.  I like that they are quick, easy, yummy and all natural.  Give them a try!