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Everything Trendy 21 telling a customer to ‘go to hell’ is pretty tacky

by What's Hot

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What is ‘Everything Trendy 21’ anyway? I am still not quite sure. My friend saw them set up a booth at a Staff Welfare Appreciation event some time last year at an ATL branch and said, ‘Hey, they sell ladies clothing etc. so you can follow them on Instagram.’ Clothes? Of course I will! I also love to support and promote young entrepreneurship ventures in Jamaica, but worthy ones. To date, their items have been pretty average. Some cute things, but none of the pictures posted have urged me to call them. The few things that struck an interest seemed to be overpriced. On one occasion, this was the case with TOMS. I commented along the lines of, ‘What a mark up’ and got a sassy response that was easy to ignore and forget because I cannot even remember it now. I surely wish that was the case with last Wednesday night!

A picture was posted advertising a pair of Charlotte Russe ‘sandals’, available in 2 colours, size 8 only. I immediately recognized them because I had bought the same style sandal from Charlotte Russe in a different colour just Easter gone. I scrolled down the comments to see that it was priced at $2500JMD. What?! I got those sandals for $5USD though. Now I am quite a thrifty shopper. I window shop, browse a lot, certainly remember my purchases and of course, save my receipts. Who knows what other deal may be in fine print or if they need me to fill out a survey for a discount on my next purchase.

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As seen above, the slippers, that’s right, SLIPPERS not sandals, were actually on sale from a mere $7.99USD. So when you work it out, Everything Trendy 21 has marked them up by almost 200%! It is likely they also caught the sale price of $5USD. Now clearly they have a following that will buy them with no hesitation for that price. Great. But what about those that may not be aware of the market because most things seem so expensive everywhere and they buy it because it seems like easy access and is marketed as a ‘special offer’? But then they buck up the same thing in a store for far less than half the price they bought it for and get extremely annoyed, spread the word or just never shop with them again. What happens then? How will that support or enhance the longevity of ‘Everything Trendy 21’?

So I decided to think some more. Their instagram name just has telephone numbers for contact information and no location stated, so they don’t seem to sell wholesale or even have a store opened. That could very well mean that they have no overheads and may not have to pay customs with their small volume of items. We are all thriving Jamaicans for a good living, so we know there are ways around this. These are light, small sandals that a friend could have even carried down for them from foreign in their handbag. Are they factoring in airfare? If so, perhaps they could allocate that large percentage profit to another item that is worthy of it. The hashtags that irritated me were, ‘#special offer’ and ‘#BrandName’. That clearly was not a special offer and when did Charlotte Russe become a ‘Brand Name’? Oh please. Hilarious. Do they see J-Lo on the red carpet or Kendall Jenner on the runway in Charlotte Russe or Ross?! Charlotte Russe is a chain store that always has bargains! It is like saying you are fine dining at Burger King. So, I really could not help myself from commenting that I got them for $5US and that Charlotte Russe is not considered a ‘Brand name’. I thought that was actually a nice way of expressing my thoughts. Everything Trendy 21 responded by saying, ‘don’t u have anything to do…?’ Cue the ‘real tears laughter’ emoticon please. Is the owner 21 years old? I don’t have anything to do? Pardon me while I put up my feet after 10 in the night to relax and look through my instagram feed since I have been working ON my feet from after 8 in the morning to 7:45pm. I think I deserved a little ‘R and R’ before hitting the sheets. Just saying. I calmly responded saying something to the effect of, ‘Wow, well I like to browse and felt that they are misleading people. Furthermore, they are slippers/flip flops, not sandals (stated on the receipt) and Charlotte Russe is not even ‘Brand Name’ though. However with that kind of reaction I am going to quickly #unfollow. Thanks for the ‘Customer Service’.’ Everything Trendy 21 instantly deleted my comment saying, ‘u always just lurk & talk crap’; ‘y my page tho’; ‘go to hell’ as seen below.

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All of those comments were left for other customers to see. Real professional there. I may not be up to date with all apps but doesn’t instagram have Direct Messaging aka DM? Like if they really wanted stoop to that low level?

Crap though? More like Facts. The proof is there. Even local store, Collectibles is selling similar slippers for $1200JMD plus tax. I got a pair of COACH flip flops from an outlet store on sale for $20.67USD when the dollar was $1USD to $101.50JMD! So please, wheel and come again. If you cannot justify your price, block or delete the person depending on whatever medium you are using, but do not go on an immature rampage and give them a story to tell. Until then, stock up some Christian Louboutins and thanks for the likes! I know I keep it trendy but always get my value for money 🙂

1 week down… 2 to go! and Beyonce is a vegan traitor

by Health & FitnessRestaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot

More from ‘canrachelbeflawless’. See how Beyonce lied and follow the last few days of Rachel’s journey. Kudos to New Leaf Vegetarian for delicious Vegan dishes. Check out their website, www.newleafvegetarian.com. They are located at 121 Old Hope Road, Shop #6, Kingston 6. Ph: 876-977-2358/ 876-977-5243; [email protected] (email)

Image from www.buzzfeed.com

Golden State Warriors win the NBA finals in Game 6 !!!

by SportsWhat's Hot
Image from www.buzzfeed.com
Image from www.buzzfeed.com

After leading the Pacific Division for the entire NBA 2014-2015 season and then the Western Conference Division in the Playoffs, the Golden State Warriors proved that they are the best team in the league last night in Game 6, winning the NBA Finals, 105-97. Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James had impressive stats as usual with 32 points, 18 rebounds and 9 assists but really fell short last night, missing many key shots with hardly any help from his team that was consistent enough to challenge the Warriors that led for the majority of the game. This will make the 4th NBA Finals that LeBron James has lost. Let us remember that the World’s Fastest Runner, Usain Bolt did not achieve that status by appearing on the track in the Olympic Finals and not winning the race, no matter how many Diamond League, World Championship or season race wins he may have.

Similar to last year, with the San Antonio Spurs’ commanding Championship win in 5 Games over the Miami Heat, the Golden State Warriors have helped to prove once again, that the TEAM wins and players contribute. Yes, the injuries of key starters such as Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love truly hurt the Cavs chances of winning this year, but the ‘Best Player in the World’ is usually able to elevate the level of the game of the players around him and makes them just as hungry for that ring. The Warriors showed in this series that they were the better and hungrier team from even Game 1 when they fought for that win with Irving still playing. Who wants it most wins!

MVP Andre Iguodala also demonstrated the strong desire to win and for everyone to remember his name after this series. He came off the bench to begin the Warriors-Cavs series and only started in the last 3 games. Note that he is the first player to be honoured as such without starting every game. He was able to guard LeBron James impressively. When Iguodala was on the court, James was only able to shoot 38.1% from the field. He tied with 2014-2015 Season MVP and teammate, Stephen Curry to score the highest points on their team last night with 25. He is one to watch next season especially after he learns to shoot some free throws.

Suga congratulates Golden State for winning their first title in 40 years! Congratulations also go out to Coach Steve Kerr for his 1st Playoff finals resulting in winning the Championship and kudos to his coaching team as well.

This season was highly entertaining. Can’t wait for the 2015-2016 NBA season!

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The Jamaica Pegasus kept up high standards for the WICB/WIPA 3rd Annual Players’ Award Function

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsSportsWhat's Hot

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The WICB/WIPA 3rd Annual Player’s Award function was held last Tuesday, June 9th in the Ball Room of The Jamaica Pegasus with Cocktails at 6pm, Dinner and Ceremony at 7pm. Which function starts on time in Jamaica?! This one started before time! Kudos to the organizers and MC Michael Hall for keeping it flowing. He did his best seeing that there were no menus or programmes given to guests.

Special guests included Lady Allen, Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Dr. Wykeham McNeil, Sirs Richie Richardson, Curtly Ambrose, Andy Roberts, Everton Weekes and Clive Lloyd. Ambassador Courtney Walsh and WI Coach, Phil Simmons were also in attendance, along with members of the Australian team here for the test this weekend versus the West Indies.

Dinner started with a nice, creamy Pumpkin soup with Jerk Chicken spinners! Interesting right? Then came a fancy, well presented raw Vegetable salad followed by a lovely main course. I can officially say The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel is no longer one of those hotels that you go to for a wedding, graduation or awards ceremony etc. and you get mediocre food including cliché stuffed Chicken Breast that may be overcooked and dry. Instead, I got a meagre serving of Lamb chops BUT a healthy serving of Snapper and Yam Run Down. Everything on the plate was flavourful and delicious with wine to complement it all. A small piece of tasty Cheesecake with Chocolate on the side, completed dinner.

Since guests were served on time and each course was in quick succession after the other, we were allowed to enjoy greetings by the Presidents of the WICB and WIPA, Dave Cameron and Wavell Hinds respectively topped off by a fabulous speech by Guest Speaker, past WI fast bowler, politician and minister of the church, Sir Wesley Hall in the mean time. His eloquence, use of vocabulary and ability to captivate the audience’s attention was sensational. He went over his time I am sure, but with his stories, humour and words of inspiration and encouragement to current cricketers, it was a pleasure to listen for more. He reminded players that talent alone doesn’t earn success, but work ethic and discipline as well. There is also no ‘I’ in team, the team wins and players contribute. Wise words by Wes. I surely hope the young and upcoming cricketers walked away from the function with a totally new, fresh, positive outlook. I surely would.

The West Indies Women’s Cricket team were congratulated for winning the ODI series, 3-1 on their Sri Lanka tour as well as the T20I series, 2-1 earlier in May this year. Good job ladies!

The event was aired live on Sportsmax and another channel. IGL, ICWI, Grace Kennedy and other sponsors were thanked for their support. It was a pity that a lot of invited or expected guests did not show, leaving many empty seats, as the event provided a pleasant reminder of the West Indies and quality players in its hay-day and highlighted current and upcoming talent. The Ashe Performing Arts Ensemble gave a vibrant, refreshing performance to close the night. As this event is young, Suga expects even better next year.

Some winners of the night were as follows:

Under 19 Team of the Year – Guyana

Under 19 Player of the Year – Shimron Hetmyer

First class Team of the Year – Barbados

1-Day Cricketer of the Year – Denesh Ramdin

Test Cricketer of the Year – Kraigg Brathwaite

T20 Cricketer of the Year – Samuel Badree

Emerging Cricketer of the Year – Jermaine Blackwood

Womens’ Cricketer of the Year – Stafanie Taylor

Men’s Cricketer of the Year – Sulieman Benn

Lifetime Achivement Award (WICB) – Chetram Singh

Lifetime Achivement Award (WIPA) – Renford Pinnock

Rally round the West Indies!

 By: Gabrielle Williams

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Red Lobster gone totally Ghetto in ATL!

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot

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In real life! Braiding cornrows in a restaurant, really? Low. I kid you not, there is an instavideo for proof. I was told the Red Lobster chain was deteriorating to a very low standard, that is, ‘bring a side chick to’ or ‘carry a girl to Burger King for a date’ kind of standard. I did not believe. But this has to be a breach to the Health code. Shame on them for not escorting them out immediately.

Curried goat with plain rice, boiled banana and raw vegetables

M10 in Barbican for Jamaican Lunch !

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot

Curried goat with plain rice, boiled banana and raw vegetables

Suga visited the Barbican location of M10 (across the road from Sovereign North) last Saturday at 1:15pm. Their delicious Roast fish was desired but was not on the menu for the day. I got Curried Chicken instead for $500JMD. My friends had Oxtail and Curried Goat. Nothing was over $900JMD to my recollection. All were tasty, however, since it is a lunch-only spot, they immediately wrote on styrofoam boxes when taking our orders instead of asking if we were dining. So we all had to eat out of boxes because it was too late for the change. I also asked for half boiled banana, half rice and got one finger of banana with loads of rice, as most restaurants tend to do during the week for lunch. Nevertheless, the setting was quite comfortable on a semi-open terrace. Since it is summer tho, they may want to invest in two fans. There was also sufficient parking around the back.

The place was buzzing with people and service time was reasonable, especially if you are used to the long wait at their Vineyard town location. So if ever in the need for quick, authentic Jamaican food, M10 Barbican is the spot!

Contact info.: 876.462.1415/930-2112 *(Vineyard town location numbers, as none seen listed for Barbican)

A. Hawaiian Lamb & Lamb Soup (29/4/15); B. Lamb Shank at Caffe da Vince; C. Patrons enjoying Flambé; D. Neville Graham, a Dir. Of NCR Sheep Ltd. at work on the farm

Get Fresh Lamb at the monthly event, Flambé and other locations supplied by NCR Sheep Ltd. near you!

by What's Hot
A. Hawaiian Lamb & Lamb Soup (29/4/15); B. Lamb Shank at Caffe da Vince; C. Patrons enjoying Flambé; D. Neville Graham, a Dir. Of NCR Sheep Ltd. at work on the farm
A. Hawaiian Lamb & Lamb Soup (Flambé 29/4/15); B. Lamb Shank at Caffe da Vince; C. Patrons enjoying Flambé; D. Neville Graham, a Dir. of NCR Sheep Ltd. at work on the farm

NCR (Neville Graham, Carlington Wright, Richard Smith) Sheep Ltd. started hosting the event Flambé about 2 years ago in order to decrease excess inventory and to get more Jamaicans to try lamb. A lot of patrons have tasted lamb for the first time at Flambé.

The venue of Flambé used to be at a house either on Marley Close or in Beverley Hills. However, the word has gotten out more and Flambé is now held at a bigger and extremely central, convenient location at the Caribbean School of Medical Sciences on 8 Waterloo Road. The number of patrons are continuously growing and upon my visit last Wednesday, when I arrived at about 8:20pm and stayed until 10pm, I noticed that there was a steady flow of people who rolled in and out.

So, on the last Wednesday of every month that usually falls on or soon after pay-day, what better way to treat yourself than going to Flambé? It won’t dig a hole into your pay cheque that’s for sure. So you can go, full your belly, mingle with some friends, family or co-workers and leave with an almost full wallet too.

The event starts at 6pm and usually ends at 9pm. Some persons leave straight from work, arrive as early as 5:30pm and wait until the food is ready so they can pick up and go. They find it convenient because they got dinner to go and at that time, most of the traffic would have subsided. While most of the people who wish to hang around and mingle after they eat usually arrive around 7pm.

The menu is comprised of lamb cooked in a variety of ways at an extremely reasonable price. Curried lamb ($400JMD), Hawaiian lamb ($400JMD), Jerked lamb ribs ($500JMD per 1/4 pound), Lamb Burger ($350JMD), Lamb soup ($100JMD) were available at the last Flambé held on April 29, 2015. Water and mixed drinks were on sale as well.

Over the years I have tasted all of the above mentioned. I always found the various options to be tasty and the meat to be fresh and tender. I had the Hawaiian lamb and Jerked lamb ribs with lamb soup last Wednesday. The soup was tasty and spicy but did not have a lot of meat. It doesn’t usually but you taste the ‘essence’ of the lamb. The Jerked Lamb ribs could use a bit more seasoning and sauce was lacking that particular night. That was not the issue with the Hawaiian lamb though, as it had a lovely flavour and sauce. Sides included in the meal served are usually Pumpkin rice and Spaghetti. However, I would love to see a change in side options offered from time to time, perhaps a nice salad, mashed, baked or roasted potatoes, plain rice with the Curried lamb etc. One of the Directors, Neville Graham mentioned that he does the cooking along with his Operations Manager, Delroy McKay. So it seems they have shied away from anything extravagant but at least he mentioned that they are open to providing different options.

I relaxed a bit after eating, mingled with friends and persons that I haven’t had the opportunity to see recently and enjoyed the background music. There was a sound system set up and I definitely appreciated the volume not being loud and the selection played. It was really a comfortable, casual atmosphere and if you are trying to escape the summer heat in the house, the wind seemed to be blowing that way. The venue is out in the open and it was quite cool.

About 35 pounds of fresh lamb is used for the event. Slaughtered lamb is not usually sold after 2 weeks. So the lamb from NCR Sheep isn’t only fresh, but it is unique in that it is local! Large companies such as Caribbean Producers Jamaica (CPJ) Meats sell imported lamb.

Lamb from NCR Sheep can also be consumed at the renowned Round Hill Hotel, Montego Bay, popular restaurants, bars and cafes such as Opa!, Saffron, 689 by Brian Lumley, Caffé da Vince, Tamarind, JoJo’s Jerk Pit and More, The Wine Shop, Cafe el Centro, Pushpa’s, Ribbiz Ultra Lounge and even by Hopeton the ‘Jerk Man’ at Northside Plaza.

Contact NCR Sheep Ltd. for lamb at 876.548.1178 (Ph.) or [email protected] (email). You can also like their Facebook page, ‘NCR Sheep Ltd.’ to keep updated with NCR Sheep Ltd. events.