Jamaican "Fever " Grass : Learn its Benefits

REVEllers! I would like to introduce you to a very common herb that most of us may have heard of . Lemon Grass or "Fever" Grass as we call it in Jamaica , is a native plant from India that was brought to our Island during the Indenture ship period in the 1900.

I am sure that most of you who grew up in the rural parts of the island would know of some of its many uses. For those of you who don't , grab a pen and paper and take notes :-)

In Jamaica , Fever grass is more commonly used in a tea at breakfast .This tea according to the "old time" Jamaicans works best when it is extremely hot . This tea is great as a detoxifying treatment that is great for cleansing the liver , kidney , pancreas and bladder . It may also reduce excess fats .

Fever grass has such a strong distinctive smell . The essential oil is used in candle making and soaps and other delightful bath and body products . Reve has fever grass scented oils available in stock. It is even  sometimes used in our store to brighten up our mood and of course your day :-)

Believe it or not , Fever grass can be used to alleviate menstrual cramps and nausea . This is done by boiling it like a tea , then adding pepper! I've tried it and it actually works . However , you need to have a strong stomach and a willing mind

The most common use of fever grass in Jamaica is to aid with illnesses. It is used to cure colds and reduce fever . This is how it actually got is name in the 1900 when there was an outbreak of "Hay" fever . Those who contracted the disease were starting to die out and they were needed on the plantations to carry on work . Some of the other indentured workers realized that when they boiled the Fever Grass in a tea , it reduced the fever significantly . This holistic method of "healing " carried on in our generation today .

Fever grass is also great as a degreaser . For all you ladies who have naturally greasy or oily hair , simply add fever grass to your shampoo and daily moisturizer . You can add it whole or crush the leaves .

The list goes on as it relates to the use of Fever Grass . There are so many locally grown herbs and roots available in our very backyards that we tend to overlook. Instead on spending money on expensive artificial products , do your research and make use of what you have.

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Lights , Camera , Fashion : Minka Launches Latest line

On Thursday i had the pleasure of attending the Minka Fashion Show at the Knutsford Court Hotel. This time instead of being a guest at the event , i played volunteer :-) I was at the " front of house" checking the guest list to make sure the invited guests were in attendance . This is actually my first time doing something like this and i learnt a lot in those 3 hours ! After all , this is a fast paced industry and you have to catch on quick .

Minka is a local designer who is described as " a woman of many ideas so you will never know what she will come up with next , the only thing we know for sure is that it will be exciting".Minka started designing clothes at 10 years old mostly for herself by cutting up and bleaching her clothes in various designs and then sewing sequins, beads, shells and other embellishments onto them. After
graduating from high school, she spent some time hanging out with the craft vendors in Negril allowing her to learn various jewelry making techniques and to start making jewelry for herself. Learning to crochet from an aunt as a child, Minka began making clothing out of crochet as a teenager, preferring crocheting to sewing.

Mink'a latest line was nothing short of amazing . She used her signature crochet style of knitting to create a Collection for everyone. Whether you a minimalist or exhibitionist or a free spirit like Minka , you will sure to find something that suits your personality . Media personality Regina Beavers played "Mistress" of ceremony for the night as she got the audience 'amped" up and explained that Minka is an energy Goddess, so they had to be just as energetic in order for the show to begin. The show featured high energy music and popular Jamaican models who were born to rock the runway who wore the pieces as if that's what they were born to do. My favorite pieces from the collection was a long sleeved red dress with a dramatic split at the back and a multi coloured cardigan coat :-)
The guests were treated to entertainment from the various genres that make up our diverse Jamaican culture as well as prizes and surprises ( Reve was a sponsor ). Reggae artiste Raine Seville thrilled the audience with her angelic voice and was also a model on the Runway in one of the signature pieces .There also was an African and Indian dance , and a performance by Tolerance. The guests enjoyed food from some of the sponsors as well as Soy Ice Cream with D-I-Y toppings from DEBZ  , which was simply delightful . The show came to an end with a live performance and each guest left with a Goody bag , courtesy of Minka.

Check out the video below 

( please note , i am new at filming)

Concept :8/10

Food : 10/ 10

Collection : 10/10

Overall Experience : 9/10

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New Arrivals at Reve!

Happy Friday REVEllers ! Let's spread love and peace today as we head towards the weekend. Before i forget , yesterday was the birthday of our head designer Duanne , remember to pass by the page and wish him a "Happy Belated Birthday " . In the world of Fashion and all things creative , we have Birthday weekends, so not to worry you can still send him some love .

There are sooo many new delightful pieces that is sure to make you have an "Eyegasm" by just stepping into our store. Today , i want to introduce to you 3 pieces from our "Tears of the Sun" line. This line features Copper Tone , Bronze and Red Gold . Two of these pieces are called "Entangled". Most of the pieces in Entangled features "wire weaving" where pieces are looped around each other using pliers ,where its hard to tell where it begins and ends . This is a major trend for fall and i predict it will go into early Spring 2013.

Entangled

This piece resembles the "Staff", "that curly "S" you see on sheet music. It is available in Bronze/Coppertpne with small Turquoise balls. This piece can be worn both day and night and can be used to create a number of looks . I would personally wear it for a Daytime look because its a "Stand out piece" . I also feel that more people will see it in the daytime .

Plunge

This beautiful piece is a Bronze and Turquoise combination and features a small Turquoise ball "plunging" from the Gold . I would recommend wearing this piece with a nice dress , hair up and a nice watch ( Maybe Michael Kors) This piece is more on the Elegant side and its beauty should be showcased by pairing it with an Elegant Ensemble. However , If you are a daring Fashionista, go for it .. wear it in the daytime to create drama :-)

Entangled

When i saw this piece i knew it will be a conversation starter . Where did you get those ? What are those shapes ? Answer Reve ... Entangled :-) Now , this piece is what we call a "Showstopper" piece in the Fashion world . Its that one piece that literally makes you stop and go "Wooow" . It is still cohesive with all the other "Tears of the Sun " pieces  , but it has its own little personality . It also features Turquoise and Bronze/Coppertone.

REVEllers , these are one of a kind pieces and only a few are created per line. This is because we want you to stand out and be the only one wherever you go who will have that piece .

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Jamaican Ackee

This seems like the most unlikely Jamaican Produce to talk about . But the information i have for you is simply auh mazing . For starters , did you know that Ackee is actually native to West Africa but it is more prominently used in Jamaican cuisine?  Yup its true. Ackee is actually endemic to West Africa and was brought here on one of the Slavers ( huge ship) during the Middle Passage.

One serving of "Jamaican ackee, canned, drained” has Water, Energy, Protein, Fat, Saturated fat, Cholesterol, Dietary fiber, Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folacin and vitamin C. Crushed immature Jamaican ackee fruits produce foam, which is used as soap. The wood is termite resistant, and may be used in the construction of different articles. The Jamaican ackee tree is also planted as an ornamental. Seed extracts are used in the treatment of parasites. The ripe Jamaican ackee fruit is consumed to lower fever and to control dysentery. A poultice of crushed ackee leaves is applied to the forehead to alleviate headaches, and to the skin to heal ulcers.

Ackee has even been incorporated in Jewellery making ! Its actually very light weight and definitely a bold statement piece. Reve has even used the Ackee Bloom in a previous collection . There was also a New York based online store called JLC , owned by Jamaican women who featured the "Ackee Knob" in their " National Dish Inspired " line of earrings. See the picture below .

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Get Michelle Obama Arms!

Hi REVEllers ! Today we will be looking at how to get Michelle Obama Arms . Perfectly toned arms are the "Holy Grail" of the female physique. When your arms have began to "wave" goodbye longer than you do ... you know you have "Bingo wings" . Who really wants saggy arms ? I actually thought about Arms because its Christmas and there are tons of parties in Jamaica and i want to ensure that we all look our best ( myself included) . Below you can find some tips and tricks to get your Arms nice and toned for the Holidays :-)

Push Up:Time to kick it Old School , break out those head and arms bands and get ready to drop and give me 10 ! Ladies, instead of doing the "Lady" push up , where you use your knees to balance and cross your legs at the ankles, try to do it the "real" way . Get down on all fours and try to do 3 sets of 10s .. c'mon don't wimp out.

Yoga : Instead of doing Yoga as a "Trend" , put those classes to good use.First, bind your hands behind your back, with your right elbow pointing to the sky and the left to the ground, and breathe. Then, switch sides. Next, broaden the collarbone as you release the chest and place your hands in reverse prayer position (behind your back), and turn your head side to side to oil the neck muscles. Clasp your hands in front and bring down and up through your arms: repeat. Stretch your arms above and then to the side; wrap your hands and wrists around and pull the arms to the side to stretch.

Superset: If you have dumbbells and don't have time to get to the Gym , get out them out and start working those biceps. Super-sets are regular sets .. on steroids. This will be the only exercise you do for at least 30 minutes. If you don't have dumbbells you can use a telephone directory or anything heavy.

When doing any form of exercise , i recommend maintaining a healthy diet and be sure to do a "Fitness Test" , just so you know the amount of exercise your body can handle.

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Jamaican Sorrel Salad

REVEllers ! I have some great information for you today. Last Saturday , i was at the Jamaica Epicurean Escape where i was at a demonstration for top Panamanian Chef Patricia Miranda Allen who made Jack fruit Salad with Sorrel . At first i must admit , i was a bit adamant to try this but being as adventurous as i am , i decided to give it a go. It was soooo delicious and fresh!

 Chef Patrcia Miranda Allen

The main purpose of Ms Allen preparing this dish was to showcase the versatility of local grown food. In Jamaica we tend to boil it to make that tangy Christmas drink ( that i hate btw) and literally boil away all the nutrients . Did you know that Sorrel contains anti-oxidants? I for one did not know that . In my mind , sorrel is just a popular Jamaican "Christmas" drink that only bloomed a certain time of the year . Patricia used the shredded the leaves , added Jack fruit , Cilantro
( Chinese Parsley) , purple onion and fresh cheese that she made here in Jamaica from our very own cows milk . Below , I've added the recipe to the salad just so you can try it for yourselves.

Ingredients

• 1 Half Ripe Jack Fruit
• Sorrel
• 1 Purple Onion
• Cilantro
• Fresh Cheese ( cheddar , Parmesan)

In a bowl ,  Cut Jack fruit into strips . Please note , Jack fruit contains a lot of juice . Simply drain this off or if you have a colander or one of those spoons with tiny holes in it , that would be great.

Dice onion , shred sorrel leaves , grate cheese and add to the bowl.

Add a handful of Parsley ( for flavor and "toss" well ! There will be more juice from the Jack fruit , but you can simply drain this .

There are sooo many nutritious fruits and vegetables in Jamaica . We should all try to incorporate them in our diets on a regular basis.

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Bollywood Style : Indian Spice ER Geometric Earrings

Bollywood is the popular Hindi film industry based in Bombay , India . It is very much similar to  "Hollywood" in America and has garnered just as much attention. Bollywood Fashion is veeeery exaggerated . The make-up is dramatic and the outfits are even more beautiful. Think traditional saris with a trendy modern twist .

Reve has managed to capture the essence of Bollywood in the form of Earrings :-) These beautiful hand crafted earrings features red and orange Indian prints as well as a small gold circles as the focal point. These earrings are made from our very own dye that we concocted in our "Creative Studio" . They are available in Coppertone . The great thing about our unique pieces is that we only make a limited amount so that you are the only person who will be seen in it . To see more of this collection and more of our auh mazing pieces . Stop by today , we'll be happy to assist you:-)

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