GCG Events’ Wedding Promotion ends October 31st! Do not miss out on Catering that is Simply Outstanding with discounts from other Vendors such as Blaktie Entertainment Jamaica, Sean Murray Photography, Taylor’d Events’ Decor and Concierge Jamaica’s Wedding Planning Services.
Remember if you plan on getting married in Jamaica between November 2017 and June 2018 with 80 or more guests and you haven’t booked with GCG yet, you Qualify!
See How to Enter your Video, Who to Tag and Ensure you Share! Check out all the details from a previous post here!
A CHANCE TO SAVE ON YOUR WEDDING THAT YOU SHOULD NOT MISS!
Have you been attending a lot of Wedding Expos, making a lot of phone calls for advice and quotes lately and/or having various consultations with Wedding Vendors in preparation for your Big Day? If so, this Wedding Promotion is for you.
When you feel the pressure of planning a Wedding, GCG Events Jamaica takes many items off your to-do list and makes them seem hassle-free. Suga had this experience with GCG catering for her Wedding. We all know my demands would be specific and expectations would have been high and they delivered flawlessly last April 2016. Kudos to GCG!
GCG not only caters for Weddings but for Corporate and Social events as well. For the complete package that they offer, for instance if you also require their Bar Services, they provide all the necessary glassware, ice, flatware, cutlery, disposables and service staff for an unbeatable price. Not to mention that they come fully equipped with their cooling trucks, electricity and more.
When booking with GCG, it is likely that you would communicate with Jasmin Ramsay or Cheridah Douglas who are the epitome of quick, efficient communication, quality service and the ability to deduce the needs of their customers, often without even having to ask.
The Chefs and Waiting Staff are personable, pleasant and conduct live cooking stations with delicious dishes. I highly recommend their Carving station. They do a tender, fresh, succulent Beef Tenderloin cut to perfection.
GCG Event’s Beef Tenderloin
They also do a scrumptious Cheesecake and the list goes on. I haven’t had a disappointing dish from them to date.
GCG Events’ Cheesecake
GCG usually makes the effort to have their Presentation suit your theme as well. Check out this Presentation to go with a Rustic theme:
Do you want the Catering and Bar service at your Wedding to be Simply Outstanding?
Enter GCG Events Jamaica’s “The Day We Met†Wedding Promotion for the chance to be one of three lucky couples to win Simply Outstanding Savings for your Jamaican Wedding!
They will be teaming up with other reputable Wedding Vendors, offering discounts for Music and Equipment, Photography, Decor and Wedding Planning Services.
***Conditions apply. So see the Prize Details, Rules and Requirements to enter the Wedding Promotion below:
PRIZE PACKAGE:
◠35%- 45% off GCG Events’ Wedding Catering Package
â— 30% off Music and Equipment from Blaktie Entertainment Jamaica (@blaktiejamaica)
◠20% off Sean Murray Photography’s Photography Package (@seanmurrayphotography)
◠25% off Taylor’d Events’ Decor Package (@Taylord.events)
◠30% off Concierge Jamaica’s Wedding Planning Services (@conciergejm)
***CONDITIONS APPLY!***
1. The Competition will run from August 28th – October 31st, 2017 on both Facebook & Instagram, and is open to couples planning on getting married in Jamaica between November 2017 and June 2018 whose minimum guest count is eighty (80).
2. Weddings already booked with GCG Events prior to August 28, 2017 do not qualify for entry.Â
3. Top three couples whose post has the most likes win! So there isn’t just 1 winner!
4. Entries close October 31, 2017. Winners will be announced on November 2, 2017!
HOW TO ENTER:
1. Post a video on your FB or IG page telling us how you met, the proposed date & venue of your Wedding, your ideal Wedding concept & menu preferences.
2. Be sure to include the following hashtags – #gcgeventswedding #simplyoutstanding #winningwedding
3. Tag: @gcg_events, @blaktiejamaica, @conciergejm, @Taylord.events, and @seanmurrayphotography
4. Share your post with friends! Most likes wins!
*** GCG Events Jamaica reserves the right not to accept or to disqualify any entries if any of the above terms & conditions are not followed correctly***
Let GCG make your Wedding Simply Outstanding! #SugaEndorsed
GCG Events
Location: Norman Manley Int’l Airport. Kingston, Jamaica
Ph: (876) 924-8364
Website:Â http://www.gcg-events.com
Facebook: GCG Events
Instagram: @gcg_events
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Market 17 is known for local farm fare and their adventurous option of Dining in the Dark.
Their menu has a list of products supplied from farms that meet their standards and are available.
The Dining in the Dark Experience takes place in a special dark room. A Blindtasting menu is served after all food allergies, dietary restrictions and extreme dislikes are declared. The goal is to heighten the senses without the help of sight. The Blindtasting menu starts at $75USD per person, excluding Beverages and taxes).
All of my friends were not in agreement to do the Dining in the Dark Experience, so we decided to go with the main menu.
Two Saturday nights ago, my friends and I were out and ready to dine at 8:30pm. We were pleasantly greeted and seated at our reserved table for seven. Our waiter, Daniel was unforgettable. He reeled off the menu from his head, explaining our options and giving suggestions eloquently. He had a personality that definitely kept the mood light.
He took our orders when we were ready and the Appetizers and Drinks came out quickly. They have a wide selection of Wines, Craft Beers and a few listed Cocktails.
It was said that the Appetizers were shareable, however hints were given as to what we may not want to share.
The Crispy Miso Pork Belly was succulent, but the portion was small.
Rock Shrimp, Chicken, Ceviche, Meatballs and Salads were also available as Appetizers. However, their menu changes quite often and the Restaurant’s website is updated accordingly.
The Housemade Charcuterie served with Chutneys and Picklings usually stays on the menu. We made our own platter with our choices of Meats and Cheeses that was delightful.
Just when I started to wonder when our greatly anticipated Entrees were coming out, Daniel informed our table that our Entrees were coming forthwith! They surely did.
Tasting options were available for the Entrees at a reduced cost. When Daniel mentioned the pairing of Antelope Filet with Whole Key West Pink Shrimp at the start of Dinner, it created a ripple effect amongst the Suga Daddies*.
I definitely had to try it. The Grilled Antelope Filet, that was cooked medium rare, did not disappoint. It was tender and juicy with fresh farm to table greens, of which the Okra was a hit. The Whole Keywest Pink Shrimp that I tasted was delish! Sadly, the salt seemed to have gotten away from the Chef again on one of the Shrimp Tastings. This information was relayed to Daniel, who remedied the situation by removing it from the bill, since another serving was not desired at that time.
Tastings of Yellowfin Tuna (left) and Grilled Antelope Filet (right)
The Tasting portions definitely made up for the small portions of Appetizers. Imagine what the actual Entree portion may look like. Persons were satisfied by the end of the night, therefore since the small portions of Appetizers sufficed, perhaps the pricing could be reconsidered.
I paired my Tasting of Grilled Antelope Filet with Togorashi Seared Rare Yellowfin Tuna that was cooked medium rare. It was divine. Have you had Black Rice?! Phenomenal. It was refreshing to get such exquisite healthy options while dining out. Black rice has more micronutrients than Brown and White rice. Ancient Chinese mythology claims that Black rice was reserved solely for the Emperor and the Royal Family, due to its nutritional content and healing abilities. In those days, your life would be in danger if you were caught eating it without permission.
Togorashi Seared Rare Yellowfin Tuna $20/$37USD) – Coconut Black Rice, Tamarind, Cauliflower, Pak Choi, Tomatoes, Celery, Sesame, Clementine, Sambal
The Grilled Grassfed Beef Filet Mignon and Pan Roasted Chicken Breast did not spend much time on the table. They were thoroughly enjoyed.
The Pan Roasted Chicken Breast ($18/$33USD) was accompanied by Spiced Bulgur Wheat, Roasted Cauliflower, Squash, Pickled onion, Kale, Charred Eggplant Pudding and Marinated Tomatoes.
Dessert topped off the night for a few. Thankfully I did not indulge. Market 17’s strong points seem to be their Entrees and Beverage selections. The Vanilla Cake with Pastry cream was just up to typical standard.
Dessert Options range from $8 to $18 USD and included Cookies, Brownies, Parfaits, Ice Creams, Sorbets and a Cheese court.
Market 17 is a fine dining Restaurant to dress up and go to with excellent service, delish and unique Entree options, along with fine Beverages. Head to Market 17 and Eat like Royalty!
Gabby and one of her Suga Bears, Jehan Knight
*Suga Daddies – Men who think they are too manly to be called a Suga Bear (Foodie in association with Suga Lifestyle)
Market 17
***Reservations Recommended***
Location: 1850 Southeast 17th St. Fort Lauderdale, FL. USA
The Rotary Clubs of New Kingston and Portmore will be hosting a Breakfast Fundraiser tomorrow morning on World Polio Day at 7:45am. Breakfast will be at the Altamont Court Hotel.
The asking Contribution is $2500.00 and Proceeds will go towards the Fight to End Polio.
Have Breakfast with a Purpose tomorrow and Enjoy your Day!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
If you aren’t Spinning for Breast Cancer at Pedal and Wheel or doing Yoga in the Hills tomorrow, come on out to Play in Phoenix Lodge’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament at the Constant Spring Golf Club!
You can play, have fun and win lots of prizes. But most importantly, you will be contributing funds to the National Children’s Home, Port Royal Basic School, Port Royal Scholarship Fund and the Caribbean Maritime Institute Scholarships.
Please Support and make this a memorable event.
For more information:
Ph: 876-381-5035
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
The Caribbean’s No. 1 Urban Food Festival starts this Saturday!
All days should be a treat. If you must choose, check out where your favourite Chefs and Restaurants will be on www.jafoodanddrink.com. Picante and Crisp are stacked with Suga’s faves.
Hope you have secured your tickets! If not, here is the information you need:
Schedule, Venues and Costs for Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF)JFDF Ambassadors on Instagram and JFDF Ticket Outlets
Enjoy 7 World Class Food Events at 7 Iconic Kingston Venues.
Executive Chef Mark Cole from The Jamaica Pegasus that cooked divine dishes for President Barack Obama, Prince Harry and Princess Ann – CRISP!
There was a Sneak Taste on Tuesday at The Steak House on the Verandah, Devon House which had its opening last Sunday. Check out a few of the highlights!
Lupus is an autoimmune disease, meaning the body attacks itself.
It is a disease of flares and remissions involving issues with mainly the joints, skin and kidneys. My client, who I also went to University with, Danelle Pinnock, has been battling Lupus for 5 years and is currently experiencing a flare-up.
She called upon GW Art to do a commissioned piece for her. The small, canvassed, wall art was to depict Jesus surrounded by purple butterflies. Purple is the colour that symbolises Lupus Awareness. October is Lupus Awareness month as well.
I am happy that I fulfilled Danelle’s vision and request. She felt truly blessed by her GW Art piece and dedicated it to all Lupus warriors, stating, ‘Your restoration is found in Christ’.
GW Art’s (8*10)” Acrylic on Canvas Wall Art commemorating Lupus Awareness Month
Although I have helped to uplift her spirits on the UHWI ward, Danelle’s Lupus condition has developed in a way that causes various complications leaving her in a state where she needs constant care and very expensive medication. Please check the link below to view her story. She would greatly appreciate any assistance she could get, whether monetary or simply just your prayers.
Help Danelle Pinnock’s fight against Lupus | Medical Expenses – YouCaring
https://www.youcaring.com/danellepinnock-898698
In recognition of Lupus Awareness month, here are also some facts about Lupus from Cleveland Clinic, including some that you may not know:
1. Lupus affects nine times more women than men, and more women of color than white women.
Women of childbearing age (13 to 49) are far more likely to be affected.
Genetics also plays a role.
2. Lupus symptoms can differ greatly from person to person. Some symptoms are common to other conditions, which can make diagnosis difficult.
Common Lupus symptoms include:
â— Constant fatigue (often misdiagnosed for iron deficiency)
â— Achy joints
â— A butterfly shaped rash around the cheeks and nose (Often treated by a dermatologist as a skin issue only)
â— Hair loss
â— Blood clots
â— Sensitivity to light
â— Chest pain when breathing
â— Mouth sores
â— Swelling in the extremities or around the eyes (Often misdiagnosed as a circulatory problem or kidney condition)
3. Lupus is a disease of flares and remissions.
Lupus flare-ups can be mild, or they can be severe. At least 75% of people with Lupus have arthritis and skin rashes. Half have kidney problems often shown with swollen feet/ankles. Lupus patients are also more vulnerable to infection than most people.
4. Diagnosis begins with a simple blood test.
An anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) blood test can be ordered upon suspicion. A negative ANA test result usually rules out Lupus.
***ANA test results will come back positive in virtually everyone with Lupus. However, some people will have a positive result even though they do not have Lupus. When the test comes back positive, other criteria have to be examined.
In those cases, the patient’s symptoms are usually compared with a list of 11 criteria for Lupus. If they meet four or more of the criteria, they are usually diagnosed with Lupus.
5. Treatment depends on the type of flare-ups experienced.
Mild swelling and joint pain may be treated with acetaminophen or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen.
Plaquenil, an anti-malarial drug that treats skin rashes, arthritis, and sometimes fatigue.
Rashes may be treated with topical steroid creams and corticosteroids, while immuno-suppressants treat serious kidney problems.
Diagnosis and treatment of Lupus keeps getting better.
Many persons with Lupus have a mild form. Proper medication can help persons with severe Lupus control their flare-ups and live productive lives.
***Stay tuned for tips on how YOGA can help persons with Lupus***
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this blog, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
There has been a surge of various brands of Banana, Cassava and Plantain Chips on the supermarket shelves lately. After the Soldanza brand (originally manufactured in the Dominican Republic) took off, Brand Jamaica followed suit. That’s a good thing! Soldanza Plantain Chips were actually not that healthy anyway, considering its 10% Saturated Fat content.
Note that as much as we love Banana Chips or Cassava Chips, they have too much Saturated Fat and sodium. Jamaicans are already prone to high blood pressure.
If you are looking for a similar taste with larger sized chips, locally made St. Mary’s Plantain Chips (slightly salted) and National Chachita’s Plantain Chips (lightly salted) are the brands for you! Healthy and tasty. A win-win with enough chips in the bag.
Both brands have 0g Trans Fats, 0mg Cholesterol and an impressively low percentage of Saturated Fat, 6%. They are not equal to or less than the ideal 5% Saturated Fat, but they are close enough. They are also slightly/lightly salted so the sodium content is low enough and not off the charts like others on the market. Another important factor is fiber. Do they keep you fuller for longer? They aren’t whole grain or whole wheat, but have a small amount of fibre that can do the job of sustaining your energy and curbing hunger between meals.
If you decide to have Plantain chips as a side to your meal instead of a snack, that is a good idea as well. For instance, to replace Rice and Peas alongside Jerked Chicken. You will end up consuming fewer calories and it’s a difference from the monotony, especially if you spice up the taste with a little guacamole or chimichurri sauce.
One should eat 5/6 meals per day depending on how long you are awake for and that includes 2 snacks. A typical 5-meal day should have the order of Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Snack, Dinner.
So keep it Jamaican and incorporate these healthy snacks in your diet today!
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Certified Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist)
If you liked this article, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page
World Radiography Day is a celebration on November 8th each year, marking the anniversary of the discovery of X-rays by German mechanical engineer, William Röntgen in 1895.
Radiology Departments worldwide usually celebrate World Radiography Week around this time. As a Radiologic Technologist, I am a few days late but I am promoting Radiography as a career, showing its crucial importance and contribution to modern health care and of course, increasing public awareness of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiation Therapy.
Before creating the website, Suga Lifestyle, I used to write articles on www.interestingarticles.com. I would love if you would take the time to read my article, ‘World Radiography Week’ that was published on November 7, 2012. It has a 5-star rating and almost 2000 views.
My article highlights how Radiography Departments celebrate World Radiography Week, the challenges faced and psychology behind doing Mammograms for patients and of course, my appreciation and love for working in the field of Radiography.
Read my article, ‘World Radiography Week’ by clicking on the link below:
Now for all my Ladies out there and Gentlemen (yes, men have lumps too), here are a few tips and information with regards to Preparation for your Mammogram and how you can do your part to facilitate Breast Cancer Awareness and Treatment:
â— Feel all four quadrants of your breasts (all around) in the shower. Picturing the breast as a clock, usually with the nipple as the centre (via someone facing you), is the way used for the identification of areas of concern in the breasts. These areas of concern identified are usually sent for further investigation, i.e a Mammogram/Breast Ultrasound.
E.g. Your Mammogram/Breast referral form may read, ‘mass located at 1 o’clock’.
â— Feel your breasts when laying down, as not all masses are felt while standing.
â— If you have a history of Breast Cancer in your family, the breasts should be checked by a doctor during general examination from as early as teenage years.
â— No matter how young you are, once a mass, discomfort, pain, burning or sticking sensation, swelling and/or discharge from the nipple are observed, seek medical attention immediately.
â— Once a referral is sought to do a Mammogram from your Doctor, if possible, choose a facility that does both Mammograms and Breast Ultrasounds.
*It is possible to have Breast Cancer and not know or be able to schedule a biopsy until weeks or months later. If a particular Breast Cancer cannot be detected by a Mammogram or your Technologist does not recognise an abnormality present and therefore does not raise the attention that a Breast Ultrasound is needed, there is risk of a spread. This is so, because there is sometimes a back up of Mammograms for reporting at Public clinics before a Radiologist can refer a patient for an Ultrasound. It may be too late by this time, costing the patient his/her life or an entire breast or two (single/double mastectomy).
â— If you are referred to do a Breast Mammogram/Ultrasound, I recommend that you do both. Some cancerous (malignant) calcifications cannot be detected by Breast Ultrasound and vice versa.
*Keep in mind that the Mammogram is like a map to show the Radiologist where to focus for any area/s that may need clarification.
â— Starting at age 35 or 40, do your Mammogram annually.
â— Mammograms are low radiation. Remember that if you lay on the beach all day you are also exposed to cumulative radiation from the sun. So a thyroid shield is only necessary if you have hormonal/thyroid issues and if you are undergoing/have recently done radiation therapy or chemo.
â— A routine Mammogram will be two (2) views on each breast, therefore four (4) compressions in all.
A routine Mammogram showing two (2) views of each breast.
â— Do not wear powder, lotion/oil or deodorant/flaky deodorant when doing a Mammogram. The flakes or clusters from a deodorant or powder can mimic calcifications/cancer. While, lotions or oils may cause the breast to slide back during imaging, thus losing possible valuable information.
â— Ladies, wear a top and bottom if possible when going to do your Mammogram.
â— Try to do your Mammograms at the same facility each year so a record is kept for comparisons.
â— Everyone does not have the same Mammogram experience. Other than the Technologist or machine used, this may be a result of other factors such as a current or close time period to a menstrual cycle, pain threshold, size of the breasts, thickness of breast tissue, presence of cysts and the overall shape of the breasts and shoulders/body habitus. So if it is painful or ‘unbearable’ for you, do not discourage others.
â— It is not the end of the world if you feel pain and/a mass. It may just be a cyst that can be drained of fluid or removed. Take it one step at a time.
â— If you have a lump that may be malignant (cancerous) and not benign (non-cancerous), ensure that you wait for your biopsy results before removing the lump. You need to confirm that the lump is cancerous, if so, the stage it is at, the possibility of the cancer spreading and the possibility of return if the breast/s are not removed.
â— Ensure that you not only have Life Insurance but Health Insurance. Some form of Pro-Care or Criticare should be sought as well if repetitive surgery or radiation treatment/chemotherapy is needed.
â— Spread the Word to Family, Friends and Coworkers! Breast Cancer Awareness Saves Lives.
***Suga Bears, please note that it is also Lupus Awareness month. Stay tuned for tips for my Lupus warriors***
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this blog, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
