Bliss Bridal Boutiquebrings new experience to the local market p.10

Makeup tips for your wedding day p.15

On The Pulse: News and Culture p.34

Forever Sweet’s modern cakes take centrestage p.18

His style file with CarltonBrown p.19

DIY wedding p.7

Plan your wedding ‘With Ease’ p.8

Wedding planning tipsfrom Pussbackfoot p.6

It seems like the wedding season is here again and if you aren’t getting married, then I am sure you have at least one wedding to attend soon enough. With this in mind, we decided to make this month’s issue all about weddings! As we were going through our list of wedding stories, we ran into Sara Barrett who was in the process of opening a new bridal boutique in Barbican Business Centre. She gave us a sneak peek at some of the dresses that will be available when her doors open on April 30. But for you la-dies not planning on walking down the aisle anytime soon, we made sure to create a couple looks for what to wear this wedding season. We also feature breath-taking honeymoon locations, creative cakes and makeup, to ensure that couples have all they need to get ready for the big day. Enjoy!

Editor's Note

APRIL 2012

Click here to view past publications onlineClick here to

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Jamaica Pegasus Wedding Extravaganza p.4Spaces: The Wedding Party p.5

What to wear this wedding season p.22

Honeymoons for every budget p.27

Boss Lady p.30

Five books for every stage of your relationship p.32

Scene

Wedding

Beauty

Fashion

Travel

Career

Books

News & Culture

Photo by Sandor Panton

Photo by Courtney Chen

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Your Style eZinewww.ezineslimited.com 4

Jamaica Pegasus Wedding Extravaganza 2012

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Scene

Your Style eZinewww.ezineslimited.com 5

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Your Style eZinewww.ezineslimited.com 6

roper planning is crucial to achieving the perfect wedding day, because you really want to ensure that you get all the

details right. We got some insights into the process from Aiesha Panton of Pussbackfoot who has been planning exquisite wed-dings for three years.

What’s the most exciting part of planning a wedding?There’s plenty that I love about it. But I really get a rush from seeing the vision come to life more beautifully than I dreamed in those last few hours, and then seeing the sheer joy on my bride and groom’s faces when they enter their specially created space. 

What’s the first thing couples should consider when planning their wedding?What kind of celebration they want to have; the day that will most reflect them and their love for each other and not get caught up in the rules of what they think they should do. That’s the base I would start from because it helps to prioritise, which is extremely important for smart budgeting. And of course, how much money you have to spend for the celebration.

What are some important tips for couples planning weddings?Be open. Be committed to the overall experience you want to have and not so focused on every single detail, because changes will likely happen for various reasons. Get a planner so that you can benefit from their talents, and most importantly so that you

can actually enjoy the experience and allow that person to deal with the ‘nitty gritty’ and eventualities that they are skilled in deal-ing with, that would be too stressful for you to handle yourself. It likely is not the first time they’ve had to deal with the scenario. 

What are the main factors that influence the wedding budget?Major costs are the venue, the food and the bar. Also, if you’re a couple that wants a really beautiful setting and personalised expe-rience, decor will be a major cost, as well as photography.

What are the popular trends in wedding planning?More traditional wedding gowns with a modern twist, like lightly coloured gowns and accessories. Lots of romantic, textured flo-rals, rustic elegant settings, more and more design details to be di"erent, the use of water colour sketches on wedding stationery and keepsake items.

What’s the biggest disappointment you’veexperienced since you started planningweddings?Really surprised at how many people have little respect for wed-ding planners and designers. Disappointed too, that more people don’t value or understand how a beautiful setting instantly ele-vates the entire wedding experience for everyone.

How to plan a perfect and

memorable day

P

Wedding

Photo by Ti"any Lue-YenPhoto by Sabriya Simon

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orget the posh elegance of last year’s royal wedding or the over-the-top glitz of the Kardashian media farce. The

new nuptial trend is ‘do-it-yourself ’ as many couples are taking the details of their special day into their own hands and planning the weddings of their dreams.

This trend is perfect if you’re on a tight budget, but you can add some DIY touches even if you have money to spare. And even though it’s called ‘do it yourself ’, you can always rope your family and friends into the action. Many hands make the work light!

The stationeryGot a creative side you’d love to show o" ? Making your own invitations, place cards, programmes and guestbook is the per-fect outlet. There are several ways you can go about this, from customising computer templates to purchasing stylish paper and cardstock and adding your personal touch, such as calligraphy, ribbons and embellishments.

The dressThis is the one item most brides obsess over and often spend far too much money on. If your mother, aunt or good friend has a great sense of style, stellar sewing skills and knows just what you want, why not ask her to make your wedding dress? Just be sure to give her plenty of time in advance for alterations.

The flowersFlowers can eat up a big portion of the wedding budget, espe-cially if you’re into exotic blooms. Depending on your tastes, you can cut this expense by adding some silk, felt, linen or paper buds to the arrangements – flower girl baskets, corsages, bouton-nieres, centrepieces, the arch, wreaths, accessories or even your own bouquet.

The décorAdd your personal touch to the décor with streamers, garlands, chair or bench swags and hanging ornaments. You can use hand-

made flowers, cut-outs, beads and other pretty odds and ends to help create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere on your big day. Remem-ber to add a guestbook or cards for attendees to sign.

The eatsMore couples are adding fun, colourful snack stations with fin-ger foods or their favourite sweets and treats to the reception area. This is a great way to tide guests over until the main meal is served and they can also function as conversation spots. Stock stations with cupcakes, brownies, fruit platters, cookies, mini-quiches, finger sandwiches.

The favoursYou don’t have to spend lots of money on expensive souvenir items when you can make your own: CDs burned with your fa-vourite love songs, customised cookies wrapped in tulle, mono-grammed pouches with your favourite flower seeds, hand-craft-ed cards – just about anything you can imagine, you can make with a little help from your friends.

DIY wedding:Get crafty for your big dayF

Check out these DIY websites and blogs

for some fresh ideas. Happy planning!

�� Bride.net

�� DIYwedding.org

�� Martha Stewart Weddings

�� Living Locurto

�� The Brides Cafe

�� Intimate Weddings

�� My DIY Wedding Day

�� DIY Weddings Magazine

�� Style Me Pretty

�� DIY Network

Your Style eZinewww.ezineslimited.com 8

ith six years experience in planning weddings and other events, Andrea Green has certainly learned a thing or two about what works and what doesn’t. The self-professed ‘Jill of creative and life-improving trades’ (she is also a certified interior decorator and makeup artist and owns three businesses) recently decided to share some of that knowledge, launching With Ease Catalogue to give couples a road map to their dream weddings.

“I decided to create With Ease Catalogue (WEC) because of the ‘tearing the hair out’ stories I’ve heard from people who try to source local service providers for their weddings and events,” she said.

Using findings from her personal research, the online catalogue brings together Jamaican wedding and events professionals and service providers in one virtual space, making it easier for users to find who and what they are looking for.

The monthly catalogue is divided into 23 categories and is attrac-tively organized as a full size, page-turning publication. “The fact that the catalogue is online provides an additional benefit to cou-ples who, due to familial duties and plans, are usually busy and ‘on the go’,” Green said. “With the advent of the smart phones and devices, couples can access the catalogue anywhere and anytime, once they have Internet access. By doing this, couples have one less thing to worry about.”

Green is currently organising several events, including expos and competitions, to bring customers, planners and service providers together.

With Ease Catalogue is also a great advertising platform for event planners, acting as “a bridge over the planning divide” for custom-ers and these service providers who are looking for prospective clients and providers, Green noted. It is also listed on the Jamaica Tourist Board’s website as a useful event planning resource.

Vendors interested in being featured in upcoming issues of With Ease Catalogue can contact Green at info@witheasecata-logueja.com or 807-5748.

Plan your wedding ‘With Ease’

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Andrea Green, creator of With Ease Catalogue

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She visited a few local stores and was less than enamoured with the dresses that were available and the overall experience. Bar-rett decided that she would have to look overseas for her dress. This sparked an ‘aha!’ moment for her. After discussing the idea with her fiancé and her mother, they all decided that she could bring something better to the local market.

Bliss Bridal Boutique aims to o"er soon-to-be brides a true ‘brid-al experience’. Barrett wants brides to know that their shopping experience is as important to her as it is to the bride and her family. “The boutique is designed in such a way to welcome every bride and their entourage, whether it be large or small,” she said.

Bliss Bridal will feature a wide selection of designer gowns from size 2 up to size 24. Brides will be able to come in and browse through the selection of gowns featuring designers such as Al-fred Angelo, Impressions Bridal, Demetrios Bridal, David Tutera, Bonny, Davanci and Priscilla of Boston, and if they do not have

‘the dress’ you are looking for, they can source it for you. And the best part is brides have the option to rent or purchase their gowns.

In addition to dresses, they will have bridal accessories, jewel-lery, headpieces and veils. “And once you have found the perfect gown, we will celebrate with you,” Barrett added.

Barrett’s vision is for Bliss Bridal Boutique to become the pre-miere boutique for Jamaican brides. “We want our ladies to know that you can have the true ‘bridal experience’ and feel great about renting or purchasing your gown locally because Bliss Bridal knows what an important decision it is for you,” she said.

Bliss Bridal Boutique will open its doors in the Barbican Business Centre on April 30, 2012. Contact info@blissja.com for more information.

Bliss Bridal Boutique brings a new experience to the local market

Photographs by Warren Buckle

Makeup by Kimberly Patterson

Hair by Ris Ann Martin

Photos taken at the Jamaica Pegasus

By Kristina Kerr

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Cover Story

White cowl neck gown by Priscilla of Boston

B lissful B rides

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Ivory lace ball gown by Priscilla of Boston

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White ball gown with crystal embellishment by Da Vinci Bridal

Mermaid embellished gown by Impressions Bridal (back view)

Mermaid embellished gown by Impressions Bridal (front view)

Your Style eZinewww.ezineslimited.com

Beauty

Wedding makeup tips & ideas

erfect wedding makeup is just as important as a stun-ning dress. Most brides know how essential it is to achieve that flawless look, and are prepared to spend time and e"ort to get it just right.

P

15

Makeup artiste Kimberly Patterson has been in the field for years, but only deciding to get certified a year ago after some prompting from friends and family. Since then, she has been busy honing her craft and getting noticed.

“Make-up allows me to explore and express my imaginative skills. Through make-up, my creativity comes alive. I treat each face as a new canvas and each time I apply makeup, I consider it artwork,” she said. “Each face becomes a new challenge for me as I try to form new looks with di"erent techniques.”

Here are some great tips for your wedding day:

What are the popular trends in wedding makeup?Most brides prefer to look natural yet beautiful on their special day. However, another popular trend in bridal makeup is defi-nitely the smoky eye look drawing attention to the eyes, whilst keeping the rest of the face soft and glowing.

What factors influence the style of makeup youchoose for a bride?The age of the person is the major factor. Di"erent looks work

for di"erent age groups. Another factor is the skin type of the person, whether it is dry, oily or combination skin. Also impor-tant is the client’s taste in makeup. Some may prefer it to be as natural as possible whilst others prefer a more dramatic look.

What are some tips for brides who are planning to do their own makeup?

Less is definitely more. You can never go wrong with a soft look on your wedding day. Ensure that the makeup you use is waterproof as the day may get emotional and choose makeup that does not transfer easily. You can also use a lip stain so that the lip color stays put after kissing your groom.

What are your favourite products to use?Revlon ColorStay foundation gives a matte finish and is non-transferable. Another is Mac’s Fluidline in Blacktrack or Dip-down as they are very creamy, intense, very easy to work with and stay put. Finally, Maybelline’s Volum’ Express “The Falsies” waterproof mascara, as it not only lengthens lashes but adds loads of volume.

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Your Style eZinewww.ezineslimited.com 18

esides the lovely bride, the cake is the other centrepiece of a wedding. Traditionally, the cake is usually several tiers

of fruitcake covered with white fondant icing, but creative, ad-venturous shows like Cake Boss have opened up a whole new world to bakers everywhere. In fact, this was the inspiration be-hind Forever Sweet, Preston Haynes and Suejen Edwards’ baking business. “We watched a lot of Cake Boss and saw a need for this in Ja-maica. We did three months of research and a lot of practising,” Haynes said. “Our landlord is actually an event planner and she bought into the idea and pushed us.”

The 24-year-old couple, who are students at Northern Carib-bean University in Mandeville, have been baking for two years, but started the company last October. “For us, it’s not just a cake. Most people don’t just want a cake, they want something that symbolises them,” Haynes said.

Forever Sweet bakes for a variety of events, from birthday parties to weddings to baby showers. So far, they have made cakes for 16 weddings, including overseas clients who come to Jamaica to get married.

Your Style: Do you have a process you follow with couples when making their wedding cakes?

Forever Sweet: Locally, we meet with the couple and have a consultation. If they are abroad, we use Skype to do the consultation. They pay for the tasting and we ship the samples or

they have family members out here do the tasting. Customers can bring what they want. Most of the people who come to us have something in mind, but we can show them some ideas.

YS: What are some of the current popular trends in wedding cakes?

FS: Red velvet cake is really popular right now. So is black forest cake. A lot of couples are moving away from the tiered fruitcakes and doing mini cakes, which they place around the main cake. These are used as tokens for their guests.

YS: What advice/tips would you give couples about choosing their cakes?

FS: They should Google ideas. A lot of them are not familiar with the more modern cakes. It’s also good for them to come in early and pay a deposit. It usually takes at least two months before a cake is ready.

YS: What has the feedback been like on your cakes?

FS: It’s been really good. On a daily basis, we get about 15 emails and 15 messages on our Facebook fan page. People are now seeing that cakes can be done in modern ways. Some people don’t even believe they are cakes.

We haven’t made any traditional cakes. Most couples come in and say we don’t want a traditional cake. People want something that symbolises them, something out of the box.

Forever Sweet’smodern cakes take centrestage

B

Wedding

Three-tiered turquoise Edible gumpaste rose embellished with edible gumpaste petals and gold ribbon

Two-tiered tropical paradise edible gumpaste orchid cake

Garden wedding cake  

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Fashion

19

Carlton

Brown

His style file

The menswear designer con-tinues to keep busy by ensur-ing our gentlemen are always looking dapper, in addition to his judging duties on Mission Catwalk and gearing up for the possibility of exciting new projects. We dropped by his studio to talk fashion, his busy schedule and staying connect-ed with family.

Brown in his studio wearing one of his designs

Your Style eZinewww.ezineslimited.com 20

How did you get into design?

I started designing because I grew up around it. The woman who raised me was a dress-maker, her son was a sportswear designer and one of his closest friends was a tailor. So being around it like I was, it was just natural that I ended up doing this.

How long has it been since

you started your business?

I have been doing this for about 10 years. Well, it has been longer than 10 years but at first I used to do it for fun. But it was about 10 years ago that I decided to take it seriously.

What are some notable men’s

trends happening now?

Colour! I have always liked using colour and I tried to incorporate it in my designs in di"er-ent ways such as in the lining of the suit jack-ets. It is really making notes of what is in and putting your own twist on it. I like to put my personal touch on my pieces to make them unique.

Have you worked with any

celebrity clients?

I work with a number of clients both celeb-rity and corporate.

Season 2 of Mission Catwalk

just launched. How do you

think this season’s designers

fared compared to the last?

I definitely think that the crop of designers this season is a lot more aware of fashion and trends. Also, they are all coming from dif-ferent areas in the region; Barbados, Belize, Jamaica and that has really brought a new di-mension to the competition.

“Having other countries participate makes [Mission

Catwalk] a lot more exciting as the competitiveness is

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Your Style eZinewww.ezineslimited.com 21

Any other new projects on the

horizon?

I’m looking forward to possibly working on two shows on the international circuit. There may be more projects overseas and locally, but I can’t let it out of the bag yet.

As someone who tailors suits for

a living some would think that

would be your preferred style.

True or false?

I can appreciate dressing up but I am definitely more casual and laid back.

With the business keeping you so

busy, do you have time to relax?

Usually I am the first one up and the last one to bed. But family is very important to me, so I always make time for my wife and three kids. It provides that work-life balance that I think every-one needs.

You have probably done more than your

fair share of suits. Any standouts that

you can recall?

the collection that I did for Toronto Fashion Week in 2009 was my most memorable by far. It was my first time partici-pating in an international Fashion Week. That was my first show headlining on the main stage where we invited key people and had total control over the direction of the show.

A Carlton Bown creation

Looks from Brown’s collection in Toronto Fashion Week 2009

Your Style eZinewww.ezineslimited.com 22

ith many people making the leap into marital bliss at this time of the year, that usually means the rest of us have to figure out what to wear to for the season. Some of

us may be lucky enough to only have one wedding invite on our social calendar while others have a growing stack piling up. Either way, it always comes down to what to wear.

Your Style headed to Flirt Boutique in Manor Park Plaza to find looks to fit every wedding style.

What to wear

this wedding season

W

BeachBeach weddings do not mean that you have to look any less glam. Wear a bright maxi like this Karina Grimaldi and pair it with bright (and contrast-ing) accessories like the turquoise necklace and beaded bracelets.

FormalA long gown is always a safe choice for a formal wedding. Here Joanna is wearing a Tadashi Shoji iridescent chi"on embellished one shoul-dered dress. Add some drama with gold acces-sories to complete the look.

Semi FormalThis one-shouldered ombre Nicole Miller cocktail number features a batwing sleeve. State-ment accessories like a dangly earring and the right clutch can turn the look up.

Are you tired of spending your Saturdays or workday evenings wait-ing in long lines, at the supermarket cash register?

Then welcome to Sampars Cash and Carry, where a whole new shopping experience awaits you!

Our 30-year track record of friendly customer service, low prices and high quality products remains unbroken, but as the times have changed, so have we. Sampars Cash and Carry introduces its easy, time-saving and hassle-free ways for you to get all the items on your grocery list, at our signature wholesale prices:

-ate your account, using our secure e-commerce website, select your items from our wide range of grocery products and more and choose how you want to receive your order.

as that.

orders so you never forget any of the key grocery items you have purchased.

with heavy shopping bags – we will deliver to you. Our next-

not in Kingston. Take advantage of our current special – de-livery anywhere in Jamaica for only $600.

If online shopping isn’t your thing, feel free to call or fax in your order or send us an email with your list. And if you still prefer to shop in person, come on over to our spacious, secure location at 233 Marcus Garvey Drive Kingston 11.

Sign up for our Membership Club, free of cost, when you create your online account or come in to our location. You will receive a free Membership Club card account, where you can earn loyalty points from your purchases. You can use your points towards future pur-chases at Sampars Cash and Carry or at any of our partner locations. That’s our way of saying thank you for shopping with us.

Contact us:Log on to www.shopsampars.com Email sales@smaparsja.comVisit us in store at 233 Marcus Garvey Drive, Kingston 11 or call us at: 923-8733.

Sampars Cash and Carry - Wholesalers to the nation... Serving you

Sampars Cash and CarryA new way to shop

yourmoneY eZine

Advertorial

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Travel

27

Honeymoon locations

for every budget

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SPLURGE = US$20,000Almanara Resort, Africa

The Almanara Diani Beach Resort in Kenya is located on the east African coast.

The resort features private villas spread amongst the property’s vast gardens, o"ering honeymooners the pri-vacy for a romantic trip. The villas include all meals as well as your own personal chef, maid and waiter to cater to all your needs, whatever they may be.

But you also have the choice to eat at the property’s on-site restaurant and keep busy with spa treatments or ac-tivities such as wind surfing, kite surfing and scuba diving.

Of course, a trip to Kenya must include a safari and the resort will make all the arrangements for a trip south-western to the famous Maasai Mara. The trip will include a flight and overnight stay at the reserve. Make sure to pack a camera so that you can record witnessing the great Wildebeast migrations, which is said to be one of nature’s biggest spectacles.

Your Style eZinewww.ezineslimited.com 28

ITALIAN GETAWAY = US$8,000Book an Italian getaway for your honeymoon using a service like www.italianjourneys.com. They will plan an itinerary based on your requests or you can choose one of their existing itineraries.

Our choice from their o"erings is Two Great Cities and a Tuscan Retreat. The trip will take you to Venice, one the most romantic cities in the world where you will travel in style on a private boat. Stay in the Cannaregio district in a four star hotel and enjoy all that the city has to o"er.

Next you will be travelling first class on the Eu-rostar service to Florence where you can in-dulge in the delights of the Renaissance capital of Europe. Tour the city’s historic churches and museums and visit all the cafes and restaurants.

Lastly, spend a week on a Tuscan wine estate complete with a convertible car at your disposal so that you can take in all the sights of this beau-tiful destination.

Your Style eZinewww.ezineslimited.com 29

BUDGET = US$1,000 and belowCatcha Falling Star Resort, Negril

With rates as low as US$105 a night, Catcha Falling Star re-sort is a great choice for a local honeymoon. The property is nestled on the West End of Negril and the view of the cli"s is one of the most beautiful you can get of the Carib-bean Sea.

Stay in one of the Cli"side cottages where you can get a perfect view of the sunset. Eat at the hotel’s restaurant, Ivan’s or go out to take advantage of the other great places Negril has to o"er.

Take advantage of the fact that you won’t have to travel too far to relax and unwind after your big day. This resort will be great for the well-needed R&R (and your wallet).

alance. For many women who juggle both successful careers and fulfilling family lives, this can seem a mythi-

cal state of being – to be aspired to but never achieved. For instance, you have a big presentation to prepare at the same time your spouse gets sick or you miss your child’s track meet because you have to work late. There is always a trade-o" and many women are wracked with guilt because they feel that their families usually get short changed. Is it ever possible to please everybody at the same time?

Unfortunately, the short answer is no. As Oprah often says, we can have it all, just not all at once. There is no need to beat yourself up when the scale tips in one direction from time to time. Here are some steps you can take to help you on your way:

Take stock of all you have to do for the week and write down your daily plans. Include both home and work activities so you don’t double book events or can work more e#ciently to avoid late nights at the o#ce, where possible. Make use of your email and smartphone calendars or your trusty day planners; stick Post-Its on your wall or on a bulletin board, whichever system works best for you.

Multi-tasking has been the buzzword of the working world for several years now, and while being able to complete multiple tasks simultaneously is great, things can fall through the cracks

if you’re not careful. If you are at work, do the activities re-lated to your job. At home, focus on your family. Don’t deny them your attention; only do extra work after the children and your spouse have gone to bed.

You obviously can’t do it all, so plan for those moments and events that are just out of your reach. If you can’t leave work to pick up the children from school, employ a caregiver to assist you or ask family members to pitch in. If you are with your family and a work task comes up suddenly, see if it is something you can delegate or ask for assistance with. Don’t try to be Superwoman.

Many women are afraid to turn down work responsibilities because they fear it can make them look weak or hinder their climb up the corporate ladder. However, if you constantly find yourself taking on tasks to the detriment of your family life, you have to draw the line. Delegate duties, strive to complete your assignments on schedule and when you have reached your limit, it is alright to decline or ask to postpone a task.

While it may not be possible to have the work-life scale in perfect balance, you can work it out so that you have time for all your responsibilities. Communicate with the people in your life, both at work and at home, so that you are all on the same page where your responsibilities are concerned and you will be better able to accomplish all you set out to do.

Career

Your Style eZinewww.ezineslimited.com

Steps to

achieving

work-life balance

30

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Books

32

Five great booksfor every stage of a relationship

Chronically single: He’s Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt & Liz Tuccillo

If the guy you’re seeing suddenly starts showing interest in some-one else or your ‘boyfriend’ keeps stalling when you want to make a commitment, this book is a must-read. Behrendt and Tuc-cillo are brutally honest about all the excuses men make when they really just don’t want to be with you. Take heed.

Dating and waiting: Mars and Venus on a Date by John Gray

So you’ve met a great guy and things are going well. He could even be ‘the one’. Gray, author of the mega-successful Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, takes you through the five stages of dating, from attraction to engagement, with insights on how to know if he’s your soulmate, plus advice on how to create the mutually fulfilling relationship you’ve always wanted.

Happily married: The Five Love Lan-guages: Secrets to Love that Lasts

by Gary Chapman

Have you ever felt like you and your husband are speaking two di"erent languages? Well, you may be right. Two di"erent love languages, that is. Love may be universal, but Chapman breaks

down the five ways we give and receive it. Defining your own language plus that of your spouse should help you communicate better and learn to love each other in the right way.

Making it work: The Conversation by Hill Harper

You’ll be relieved to know this book isn’t a ‘how to communicate’ manual but is based on, as the name suggests, conversations with the author’s own celebrity friends and some regular folks – single, married and divorced. Harper delves into the real concerns of making relationships work as well as his own relationship issues. There’s a lot you can learn from examining the lives of others, so take a look.

Just for him: For Men Only: A Straight-forward Guide to the Inner Lives of Women by Shaunti & Jeff Feldhahn

Many men have given up hope of ever understanding the way women think, but best-selling author Shaunti Feldhahn and her husband, Je", may have just the help your man needs. With infor-mation gathered from women though interviews and a national (US) survey, the couple breaks down what women want in rela-tionships and helps men figure out how to please their partners.

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R elationships can be tricky whether you’re single, dating or married, and sometimes you need a little help to get you through the rough patches.

There are many great books out there with just the advice you need. However, bear in mind that you still have to act on that advice. Here are our picks. If you’re:

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News & Culture

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PORTIA SIMPSON MILLER WANTSMORE WOMEN IN PARLIAMENTPrime Minister Portia Simpson Miller was recently fea-tured in the April issue of New York-based Essence magazine, America’s premier publication for African American women. “I see women’s issues as the na-tion’s issues. Our women dominate higher educational institutions, operate their own businesses and do jobs once considered only for men,” said the Prime Minis-ter.

NOBEL LAUREATE WINS HISTORICSEAT IN MYANMAR PARLIAMENTSixty-one-year old Aung San Suu Kyi led her National League for Democracy Party to victory in parliamenta-ry by-elections in Myanmar (formerly Burma), winning the majority of the seats on April 1. This is a historic victory for Suu Kyi who was placed under house arrest for almost 15 years after a 1990 election. The win, she hopes, “will be the beginning of a new era.”

On the pulse

AT THE MOVIES: THINK LIKE A MANScheduled to open in Jamaica on April 25, the movie is based on the popu-lar book Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man by comedian Steve Harvey, and features an all-star cast including Taraji P Henson, Gabrielle Union, Kevin Hart and Michael Ealy. It highlights the relationship troubles of four men who try to get even with their women after they discover they’ve been taking relationship advice from Harvey’s book.

WHERE TO GO: CARNIVAL 2012It’s that time of the year when revellers and soca lovers come together to palance on the road. This year’s theme is ‘future shock’ and the road march takes place on April 15. Costumes are already sold out, but you can still enjoy the festivities from the sidelines.Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller

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