Trinidad Hotel List

Ambassador Hotel -http://www.ambassadortt.com
Carnetta's Inn- http://www.carnettas.com
Chaconia Hotel- http://www.chaconiahotel.com
Crews Inn Hote-l http://www.crewsinn.com/
Crowne Plaza Hotel -http://www.crowneplaza.com
Hilton Trinidad -http://www.hilton.com
Kapok Hotel- http://www.kapok.co.tt
Carlton Savannah- http://www.thecarltonsavannah.com/
Hyatt Regency Trinidad- http://trinidad.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp?null
Courtyard By Mariott Trinidad- http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/poscy-courtyard-port-of-spain/
The Chancellor Hotel- http://www.thechancellorhotel.com/
Normandie Hotel - http://www.normandiett.com/
Coblentz Inn - http://www.coblentzinn.com/

Individuality En Masse

With 4 months and 19 days left before Carnival I know that the die hard Carnival stalwarts already have their airline ticket, hotel accommodation booked and, most importantly, THE costume in your band of choice secured.

Now , it is time to decide on Monday wear outfits, get your footwear sorted out and plan accessories. I have lots of people emailing asking for advice on boots, makeup and even spray on tans so I know you ladies are not sleeping on getting organized for Carnival 2010.

What I am getting from speaking with masqueraders who are in the throes of planning is that everyone wants to do something a little different, a little unique and with a little bit of personalization when it comes to their overall looks for Carnival. There are those who want to cross the "stage" in heels, switching footwear along the route, some who plan on doing special bras or corsets and others are planning on adding more to their costume; more beads, more feathers, more bling! The trend of individuality is ripe for 2010.

I have to confess that I too will be doing something a little extra special with my costume, nothing too elaborate but just something additional that I have been working on, with the guidance of a certain costume designer friend. And, surprise surprise, most of my friends and section mates are doing the SAME thing as well! Each diva is doing something "different" to their costume.

So, for those of you thinking of sprucing up your costume or just making changes to suit you I have a little bit of advice on how to do so:

*If you want to do elaborate changes to the costume, how about letting the section or band leader know that you have certain ideas in mind. This is not really necessary as it is YOUR costume after all (once paid for in full) and you can add or remove decoration on the costume as you see fit, however most section leaders are willing to work on amendments to your costume once it can be done within a certain time frame. Remember getting your costume on time is also important. They can also suggest persons who can provide the assistance you are looking for.

*Customizing changes to your costume is relatively easy if you are a crafty person or have an eye for design but getting a sample of a feather, appliqué or bead can also help in matching items to your costume. Again, it does not hurt to ask the band or section leader for a sample to guide you in choosing the right colours.

*Remember to do changes tastefully and in moderation, as much as you want to stand out let it not be for the person who added green feathers to a bronze costume! The divas below added a collar to Caged Canary and extra contrasting plumes to Kiskadee, outstanding but also complements the costume!

*Tailoring a costume to give you a better fit or getting rid of elements you do not like is also a way to set yourself apart. For instance, the back of Charmeuse has no beads or fabric, you can add fabric to the back of the costume for more coverage by either reusing some of the fabric to the front (shortening it) or buying matching fabric to add to the back. If you have a small headpiece option that comes without the fabric you can also add fabric to that headpiece and get the same effect as having the large headpiece. Similarly, you can remove the tassels from Habotai and add beads instead. And if you do not like the underwear that comes with your costume you can always get more comfortable fitting ones, to tell you the truth those spandex bikinis are so tight they squeeze the muffintop out of even the slender of hips! I know someone who had underwear made to match her costume this year! And of course if you prefer a corset over a tankini or would like to submit your own bra for decoration contact the section or band leader ASAP.

*Finally, sometimes you do not need huge changes to make a big impact. It can be as simple as having the right footwear, decorated to match, or changing accessories that come with your costume or having the BODY to go with the costume as well. All kudos to the gym bunnies working hard to put the best body on the road for Carnival, that is also an accessory that can make any costume look good!

Happy Carnival planning, the countdown is on!

Carlton Savannah Hotel

Reading the newspaper headlines today stating that Queen Elizabeth II and her entourage is allegedly staying at the new Carlton Savannah Hotel in Cascade I realize my review of the hotel was never done, as promised, so let me rectify that now.

I stayed at the Carlton Savannah a couple months ago and the most outstanding thing about the hotel apart from the chic decor and huge rooms is the service. It is really a very pleasant and welcoming surprise to have such great service which is not always the case in customer oriented business in Trinidad,unfortunately.

Location wise the Carlton Savannah is ideal for those coming for Carnival as it is very close to the Queen's Park Savannah. The spot it is on used to be the location of the infamous Pelican Inn , a favourite watering hole of mine back in the day. The car park for the hotel is located across the street, which is the only caveat, but space is limited so I guess they retained the original car park set up from the Pelican era. There is valet parking however, so you do not even need to park your car yourself.

car park

The rooms are nice and spacious, if you are into the whole boutique vibe you get that aplenty at the Carlton with it's contemporary furnishings, like a platform bed, and totally gorgeous modern bathroom! Trust me, when you see the bathroom you will know exactly what I mean by gorgeous.

room

There are two restaurants and also a bar at the hotel, one restaurant is casual while the other is fine dining. A narrow pool is available for guests, complete with lounging areas and poolside service if you desire.

pool

Overall a fantastic stay was had at the Carlton, they do have Carnival rates and packages so if you are still looking for a hotel you can give them a call or email, contact information can be found on their website. Rates are on par with the other hotels in it's class, read not CHEAP, but hey if it is fit enough for a Queen you know it is worth it!

TRIBE Ignite Tickets Go On Sale Today

My tickets for DV 8 have been reserved (runour is the location is in Homestead), Black and White ticket has been purchased online and I will be picking up my TRIBE Ignite tickets at TRIBE's mas camp as they go on sale from today, Friday September 25.

The details are as follows:

TRIBE's chic & sexy party meets Hollywood's most sophisticated, upscale, and stunning venue. Ignite the Opium and take your Miami Carnival experience to the next level.

Thursday Oct 8th, 11pm - 6am

TRIBE brings the best DJ's in each city to IGNITE Miami:
Private Ryan (Miami)
Back 2 Basics (NYC)
D'Bandit (Toronto)
Hypa Hoppa (Trinidad)
RED 96.7fm's best (Trinidad)
and more...

Ltd Adv Ladies US$20 | Ltd Adv US$25

Tickets available from Fri Sept 25th through Committee & Online.

All TRIBE crew flying up from Trinidad, tickets will be made available for you at TRIBE Mas Camp (Rosalino St., Woodbrook | 625-6800)

Harts Sold Out Costume Update

Three more sections are closed in Harts, people!

Butterflies and Moths/Time for a Tale

Anthony& Cleopatra/The Strip

Tribes/Wild Things

That leaves 12 more sections and almost half the band SOLD OUT!

Glenn Carvalho's Aloha!

So, I see that Glenn Carvalho has updated his website, there is now a FAQ section where you can get more information about playing with the band as well as a notice that the band launch takes place in October. But, most importantly, "recession prices" are already posted for the thirteen sections with a 50% discount until December 20th.

click to enlarge

That means costumes will be priced at $1375.00TT/230.00US and $1475.00TT/246.00US, Monday wear included; the website fails to mention if these prices are ALL INCLUSIVE, however!

I tell you, I cannot WAIT to see these costumes, bring on the Aloha (too) band launch!

Socacize for Miami Carnival

**NEW**

Socacize™ - is coming to

Fort Lauderdale for Miami Carnival!

After taking Toronto and New York carnivals by storm

Socacize attracted over 100 participants in Toronto & New York!

Designed for masqueraders, revelers and everyone else

A vigorous & exciting workout

Rhythms to make you dance,

Exercises to build stamina, tone muscle, lose inches, boost confidence!

SOCACIZE ™ Is a creative blend of high/low African and Caribbean dance movements performed to calypso, soca, zouk, reggae, dancehall music and on occasion to drum music. The exhilarating mode of the workout focuses on cardio, weight and strength training targeting all age groups.

Introductory Special

2 days only

Miami Carnival Schedule

Fort Lauderdale

Curves

1425 South Andrews Ave., #150 (South Andrews & 15th ave.)

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Wednesday & Thursday 7:30-8:30pm

October 7 & 8

$10.00 per session; Drop-in $15.00

Prices displayed in USD

**Special Promotions**

Early Bird Miami Carnival Special

Register by September 28th -Save $5!

Valued Member - Special

Register friends or family members

To receive 2 FREE sessions

Registration

Ayanna Lee-Rivears

Cell: 416-728-5545

ayanna@socacize.com

www.socacize.com

Cosmeticon Prime Carnival Makeup Pricelist

For the Divas that need their makeup professionally done for Carnival, take note of Cosmeticon Prime's prices:

Carnival 2K10 Services Price List:

For the benefit of clients who need makeup services performed for parties, fetes and other events, at Home makeup services are being offered from mid-January to Carnival Sunday night.

Clients who are unable to meet appointments on Carnival Monday and Tuesday mornings and wish to have their makeup services performed at home (Carnival Sunday night or Carnival Monday night) will also receive a 'Carnival Pack', this would include: Jewels, Adhesive and adhesive remover and fix-it spray. Any Carnival Pak can be customized to meet the clients' needs.

At Home services for events can be made by appointment for the Carnival Season beginng mid-January - February 2010, cost based on nature of service requested.

Eye Lashes : TT$50 per person (Basic Lashes) - TT$125 and up per person (Premium Lashes).

Stretch Mark Cover: TT$150 and up

Full Makeup application (including all the above services) TT$350 and up.

Face Makeup only TT$250

* All makeup services are airbrush*

Carnival Monday and Tuesday Services include: Airbrush makeup, Jewels, Body glitter, Basic False Eye Lash Application. Stretch mark and scar cover available at an additional cost to Basic services, and only by prior notification when making initial appointment.

Airbrush makeup for both days : $375

Airbrush makeup for 1 day $225.

All applications include, jewels, glitter and eye lash application.

There will be Custom/Premium Eye Lashes available for an additional cost e.g. colored and metallic, the lashes included with the eye lash application will be basic lashes.

Should you be interested, please submit a copy of your costume(s) so that I can obtain any additional product(s) etc. for you.

cosmeticonprime@gmail.com or kiola@cosmeticonprime.com

The Reality of All Inclusive Package Promises

Looking at the different websites for All Inclusive Carnival Bands that have launched thus far, it's hard not to notice the link for the package options which are part of the price we pay for our costumes.It really makes me wonder if these inclusive package promises sway masqueraders in any way to play with one band over the other or if anyone makes note, post Carnival, if they got what was paid for and advertised.

Truth be told I no longer look at or even bother to compare what is listed under the package details with what is actually provided on the road, I do not think for TRIBE the basic package details listed on their website has changed much over the years, with the exception of the removal of the air conditioned resting bus. I know for sure TRIBE is not giving Monday wear, that masqueraders will get a goody bag, lunch, breakfast, some paltry snacks and drinks on the road. As for "premium bar" that term can be used so vaguely and loosely that once they have in stock my "drink of choice" (Johnny Walker Black) I am not checking the bar to see what else is available. Off the top of my head I do know they serve Baileys and Alize but cannot tell you what brand of vodka or rum they serve or what is classified as "premium". I have never once used the mobile bathrooms or the shuttle service, but I do use the Cool Zone on Monday.

Basically the package is not really the selling point for me, though I will appreciate getting what is advertised even if I never use it. I do like the unadvertised amenities such as the nice set up at the lunch stop for the ladies restroom with full length mirrors, sunblock, safety pins, wet wipes etc. as well as the umbrellas and blankets provided to sit under/on. And I am sure other masqueraders appreciate the rolling road party truck and sponsor vehicles like the Heineken Club Zero where they can basically remove them self from the road and party in air conditioned comfort if they choose to do so, seriously I have never even bothered to see what that was all about!

These are the package goodies advertised by the following bands, the ones who bothered to list them on their website for potential masqueraders, I noticed not all bands have listed what the all inclusive package entails:

Island People:

Hot breakfast on Tuesday, meals on both days, munchies, finger foods & cutters everyday.

Premium drinks and cocktail on custom made bars placed strategically throughout the band.

LTB (Locate the band) Service - Call the LTB hotline at anytime Monday & Tuesday.

Shuttle to the band - All day Monday and Tuesday.

Security detail

Different this year would be meal chits to identify the food of choice by masquerader at registration. All meals would be prepared to be tasty, lean and healthy.

Unlimited drinks, unlimited fun, unlimited good times.

Six 40’ trailers powered by Trinidad’s best sound company’s with music from top twelve DJ's in the land.

Moving bathrooms with exceptional powder room service and amenities.

Survivor packs / ’goodie bag’

Spice:

Impeccable Service

Fully stocked Premium bars with an endless supply of Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic drinks

A wide variety of food choices (Monday - Lunch, Snacks) (Tuesday – Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks and Dessert)

Highly-trained Security Team and Roping of the band

High Energy DJ Team

Complimentary Shuttle Service to the band (for latecomers)

Spice Goody Bag (Carnival essentials and keepsakes)

On-site Paramedic Team & Ambulance

Mobile Restrooms

Spice Cool Zones

Roaming Photographers

YOUR Spice Costume!

And of course, The Missing Ingredient!!!

Ronnie and Caro

Lunch on Monday

Breakfast on Tuesday

Lunch on Tuesday

Snacks – sweet & savory

Lollies

Liquor soaked Prunes

Tequila Shots

T-shirt/Vest or Baby Tee for Monday

Reusable Backpack

Giveaways

Mobile Bathroom

Well Trained Security Detail

Premium Drinks

Vodka, Hennessy, Baileys, Scotch…

TRIBE:

Premium bars with an unlimited supply of alcoholic & non-alcoholic drink

Lunch on both days

Breakfast and Snack on Tuesday

Private security team

On-site paramedics

Mobile restrooms

TRIBE Cool Zone ©

Complimentary shuttle service to the band

Roaming photographers

Goody Bags

And of course your costume.

Pulse8

Premium Bars

Zesty Meals and Cutters

Cool Zone

Luau Style Road Party

Red Cross (just in case)

Paramedics

Sexy Chicks

Photographers

Mobile Restrooms

'No Nonsense' Security

Leisure Vehicles 'for the weak kneed'

Pulsating DJs

Unlimited Fun

Chick Magnets

So, I am pretty curious to know as a masquerader do you pay attention to what is advertised as your all inclusive package? Also, what has been your experience in getting everything that is listed on your band of choice's website when Carnival Monday and Tuesday rolls along? What are the "tasty, zesty, healthy" meal choices that you really get for breakfast, lunch and snack as well as what "premium" drinks does your band serve? Do you use any or all of the services provided such as mobile restrooms, resting buses, cool zones or shuttle service and do you find them useful or just another annoying truck to take up space on the road? And finally, what are the REALLY important services or amenities you would like included in your all inclusive package, if it is not already included?

For me, the ONE thing I would really, really love to have next year (2010) is a frontline/individual masquerader resting area (apart from everyone else) at the lunch stop where frontline and individual masqueraders (who pay a whopping price for their "costume extras") can have a place to shed their backpacks and headpieces and have them stashed in a secure area; I will never forget the woman who SAT on my tail and headpiece this year and gave me attitude for it, not having any respect for the costume! And I know it may be too much to hope for but, Andy Loos for the frontline and individual masqueraders will just be heaven!

Leave your comments below, and include the band you played with!

Saucy's Miami Fete Line Up

The poll results are in and Blocko just nudged Black and White, to take 48% of the votes as the fete to be at on on Friday October, 9 for Miami Carnival.

Going against the poll, I have come to a decision after my own research on both fetes and I will be heading to Black and White that night, while some of my group are going to Blocko.

Other fetes on the roster are TRIBE Ignite on Thursday 8, October and DV 8 All Inclusive on Saturday 10, October. DV 8 ticket "reservations" can be made, the cost of the ticket is $50.00, the fete will be from 6pm to 12 midnight and the location of DV 8 is still being kept under wraps.

So, those are the fetes I will be attending for Miami Carnival. I have been told they are all "stoosh" fetes, including TRIBE, so it should be very interesting. I am super excited, counting down the days until I land, and planning fete outfits accordingly!

For those of you going to Miami Carnival, what fetes are on your fete line up?

Dream Team Gems Of The World

Your first look at Dream Team's "Gems of the World", check them out on facebook HERE.

Rugeri Promotions Boi Bumper

Rugeri Promotions website is already up and running for registration, coming less than 24 hours after their launch last night. "Boi Bumper" is a private section in the band Trini Revellers, one of the few where you can still find all inclusive costumes for less than $2000.00TT!

FRONTLINE : $3,500.00 TT ($583.00 US)

FEMALE : $1,995.00 TT ($333.00 US)

MALE : $1,750.00 TT ($292.00 US)

For more information on "Boi Bumper" or to register check out Rugeri's website HERE.

Not In With the In Crowd

So, news reaching the Sauce on this Sunday morning is that several potential masqueraders who thought they were getting a hook up to get" in with the in crowd" have been left in shock, awe and tears when their money was refunded and they found out they had NO costume and are NOT registered.

Seems like the bacchanal went down when a certain popular, professional social outfit got into some hot water with the band in question when it was revealed they were charging extra for the privilege and some of the loyal masqueraders got upset that "newbies" were getting a bligh... which in this case turned into a blight!!

Imagine being told in September that your dream of a dream costume went up in smoke!! I know of masqueraders who were biting their nails for weeks, waiting to hear if they did indeed have a spot in the band, sighing with relief when they eventually collected their receipt. Pressure, I tell you, sometimes it is best to go the old fashioned route because not even a hook up is a guarantee any more!

And on another note, if you were thinking of trying to get into TRIBE by shelling out major dollars for an Individual costume well, they are ALL sold out! There are people not playing when it comes their mas; the Individual Costume is now the new frontline! I want to know if this gem, pictured below, is also among those sold out as well:

Band Launching Weekend!

This long weekend in Trinidad is a busy one for band launches.

Rugeri Promotions launch their private section "Boi Bumba" in Trini Revellers "Festivals of the World" today at 6pm. The launch takes place at 12,Anderson Terrace Maraval with costumes expected to be shown at 7pm.

Later tonight, Dream Team launches "Gems of the World" at St. John's Hall, Wrightson Road from 9:00PM. Tickets are now sold out for the event at the outlets, but will be on sale at the venue today from 10:00AM to 6:00PM.

And tomorrow Genesis presents "The Desert", their Carnival 2010 presentation, at Aura on Cipriani Boulevard, launch start time is at 6PM.

Pulse 8 Website is Up

Pulse 8's website is up, just in time for registration which begins in house at their mas camp today; you can also register online. For a lack of feathers and beads I think the prices are HOT!

My benchmark frontline of Comparison is TRIBE's Mystery of Loulan and both of the frontlines on offer with Pulse 8, Waikiki and Paradise Cove are $5800.00... for plastic flora and fish!

Check them out yourself at their website.

Mac Farlane's 2010 Carnival Band Presentation To Launch in Tobago

Can I tell you how excited I was to get the news that Brian Mc Farlane's Carnival 2010 Band Launch, which takes place on Sunday September 27, will be held in Tobago!! After 2008's presentation on San Fernando Hill and 2009 in the forests of Chaguaramas there is no doubt in my mind that 2010 will be an event to remember!

Brian Mac Farlane, who has won Large Carnival Band of the Year for the past three years, is known for some of the country's most spectacular band launches. This year he seeks to up the ante even further when he takes a plane load of journalists and international event specialists to the revered Buccoo Reef in Tobago for the launch of his 2010 mas presentation.

The band, whose name the award-winning designer declined to reveal ahead of the launch, will see the re-emergence of traditional mas characters to the streets of Port of Spain on Carnival Monday and Tuesday.

"I think that over the years the Art Factory has proven that Carnival is so much more than just pretty feathers, beads and the use of flamboyant colours. This year we wanted to go a bit deeper and interpret the story of the origins of mas and the period where the beginning of Carnival has been rooted."

In 2010, Mac Farlane's Carnival presentation will go as far back as the late 1800's, to a time when blacks and coloureds took to the streets.

" They celebrated in their own way, by mimicking the pomp and ceremony practiced by the white elite. We are going back to that celebration and our mas will speak to the original costuming of that period."

The designer said that the Buccoo Reef was crucial to the staging of the band launch. "We wanted to include Tobago and we wanted to have the ole' time mas characters emerge from a place that symbolizes life, rejuvenation and beauty.

The concept and philosophy of our 2010 mas presentation is based on the rebirth of true, traditional mas characters in their purest form. The Reef is always magical but it is specially so at the time we have chosen to stage our presentation, early in the morning. It is a perfect backdrop for what we want the world to know about the origins of our Carnival, " concluded Mac Farlane.

TRIBE Ignite Miami Edition

Adding this one to my Miami Carnival fete list:

Roll Call Trinidad Carnival 2010

You know what to do, leave a comment with your band and section to be added to the roll call:

TRIBE:
Tyrian Purple
Msjbunny - Individual
Moni - FL
Legz - FL
Darkie Ann
Trinimitch
Soca Tee
JV

Mystery of Loulan
Gtwarrior - Premium FL
Trinigyal - Premium FL
Jaded Teardrops - Premium FL
Waspwidfirecracker - FL
Saundraq - FL
Princess Redz - FL
Carnival Jumbie - FL
Katherine - FL
TRIBER
Tru
Lovechild
Sexy Eyes
Zenmark

Osage
Nikkidan - FL
Mystique
Island Soul
LB
SLK
Tribee

Niquie

freshman
fruity
shells

Charmeuse
Heather Ann - Fl
Sexy Scorpio
South Reds
Trinibears
Risa
SongBird
mayching2001
Kerryann
Ci
Krissiegirl
didatrini
Hana Marie

Mulberry
Carnival Divaz - Individual
JJ - FL
Tribe Anu

Habotai
Celeb
KK
Triniwifey
ms hershey

Xi Ling Shi
trinielle

Threads of Morocco
CarnivaLuva
DQ
baby tee

Lapiz Lazuli
Curlylocz

Z

Zari

Dee Liz
jobo
trish973

Spice:
Gates of Petra
*D* - FL

Caspian Sea
PJ - FL
Styles

Isis

Voluptuous Masquerader - FL
Mojito
Bammycake
AyeAye

triniannie82
mz_iere

Thailand
Afro Chic - FL
Nicole - FL
Kuntreegal
cute dougla

Greece
Rene - Individual
~*tall 7*~
trinitothemarrow

Moroccan Heat
Mimi
snakeoilgyul
Winin Criminal

Adulis
Elsa

Merchants of Venice

Dale

Harts:
Mayan/Mexicans
Squeezle

Mas Sweet Mas/American Indian
Franny

Brazilian Fiesta/Latin Fire
Dimples

D Krewe:
Kindred Spirit
Kris - Individual

Commancheros
Carnivalicious

Island People:

Bindi

Christian - FL
Dcarnivalbaby - FL

Puppy
Digame
Kerwin

Kalpana
salsaman

Morgandani
Love/Fairy

Taal
trinicandy

Viva38

Vanessa

Jaipur
Carnivalcocoa

Priyadarshani

Soca #1

dougla_1
Superdell

Ronnie &Caro:
City of Gold
Trinikim

Africa
CK - FL
Tokyo Trinidad and Tobago

Saucy in the Marketplace
Mz No Behavior

Legacy 
Mrs Trini - Tassa

Harts Sold Out Update

Harts is very quietly and quickly selling out! The section Brazilian Fiesta/Latin Fire is now completely SOLD OUT and the following are sold out in either male or female and in different colour options as well:

Brazilian Fiesta/Latin Fire

MALE SOLD OUT

Come Lewee Dance/Refleciton of My Childhood days

American Indian/Mas Sweet Mas

Polynesia/Faces of Places

FEMALE SOLD OUT

American Indian/Mas Sweet Mas - Jade, Fuschia, White

Wild Things/Tribes

On Satge/Tribute to Broadaway - Turquoise,Fuschia, Jade

At this rate, Harts will be the next band to be SOLD OUT after TRIBE!

Makeup Artists for Carnival 2010

These ladies are still open for bookings for Carnival 2010:

Natasha Edros
Natasha's Professional Makeup & Aesthetician services
http://www.natashamakeupforyou.com/

Sarah Benjamin

Sarah Benjamin Paul's Make-Up

Dixie Ann John

http://www.dixieannjohn.com/