Quorn Mince (Meat Free)

Quorn Mince for £1.70 

Recently, I've been trying to change my eating habits. Not because of the new year new me. Lol. Some vegetarian/vegan foods are a hit and miss for me but I love to give each one a chance. I picked up this Quorn Mince from Asda Online Shopping. They had other selections but because I love pasta so much I chose this. It comes frozen and you can put it in the microwave or heat on the stove. I read the ingredients at the back and saw that it has sugar which gives it a sweet smell and some other seasoning which also makes it smell like taco meat, which can be easily fixed if you don't like the sugary smell (which I didn't). It also had egg whites(which made me pause for a quickkkk second). For those of you who don't know, I'm intolerant of certain foods and egg is one of them but because I had already bought it I still gave it a try, hoping that the traces of egg were small enough not to do major damage (Badddd idea but still tasty. Lol).

This was my result. Turned out pretty good. The taste was wonderful. I used a sauce pan because I knew I was going to add pasta sauce later and then sauteed it in a little vegetable oil. I added salt, black pepper, garlic powder, tomato paste, a tomato based pasta sauce, onions and Italian seasoning. The texture was a little on the softer side, so that would be the only downside. Next time I would probably add some mushrooms for a firmer texture.

Overall I would give this a 8 out of 10.

I look forward to sharing more free from products with you guys.


Stay tuned xoxo

My Top 5 Christmas Movies

In recent years, I haven't been watching alot of movies but believe me when I say I've watched alot in my lifetime, especially in the 90's. Christmas is literally around the corner and I've watched - zero, zilch, nada- and that's a sad thing to say. But what's a brain without memories and childhood memories are the best. So, here's a list of my 'Top 5 Christmas Movies'.

1. Home Alone

This movie is 'Bae' for me. Just pass me some Hot Chocolate, a blanket and have a long enough couch I could stretch out in. 

You have a little guy, who's being treated like garbage (to me), by his family, and as soon as he decides to blast them his parents decide to notice him (I get heated every time I watch that part. Lol). So, after the big blow up they put him by himself and end up forgetting he even exist (I aint blaming the rush on that one) but you got to make a story enticing, and for that period in time that was it (the enticement). He's home and some jailbirds,Marv and Harry (Larry and Mo), decides to rob the house (I would be scared as hell) so he takes a stand and set a hell alot of creative traps, eats Mac and Cheese and plays what seems like hours of painful games with them and in the end they still came away with nothing and got arrested. Not worth it. The end. I would tell you about how the parents got back but then I would be doing too much and this is just a list. Home Alone 2 was okay also, but I'm not going to add it because 1 is already here. 90's babies should know this movie but if you don't then check it out. A old classic.

2. The Preacher's Wife

Who doesn't love a movie with our favourite actor (lets discuss that anywhere, anytime), Denzel Washington? I still can't get over Training Day and "King Kong ain't got S**t on me" ahhhh!! Bad ass Denzel from the movie blocks.

Off track though so let's get back into The Preacher's Wife. Denzel (The angel) comes from heaven to help a husband, who's a pastor in the church, get over his mid-life crisis and pressures in his everyday life but in the midst of doing that he starts to have feelings for sweet and luscious Whitney (the wife).

As all movies do, you have your key players in the drama but I felt like it didn't go overboard with it. The husband realizes that he is neglecting his family and Denzel takes a step back and finish what he was sent there to do. 
Overall, it's a wonderful Christmas movie about renewing love, recognizing faults and realizing that life comes with bumpy roads. A must watch.

3. Borrowed Hearts

       This movie is full of 'Cheese' but that is..how..I..LIKE IT!!! I really wonder sometimes if movies really play out like this but in real life. Me, I get to live in my millionaire boss house with my children (non-existent) eating dark chocolate, drinking the most expensive apple cider (they didn't eat or drink that in the movie) and just - insert myself. And the funny thing that got me was, home girl thought it was sense. Get them coins girl! Boss needed a fake family to impress some investors and lucky her (however you see it) she gets picked. Along the road there are some bumps and hiccups but in the end, like most Christmas movies, we have an all together great happy ending for a movie produced in the 90's.

4. A Madea Christmas

       I know this is a play and not a movie but you gotta let me live. I had to do it for all the Tyler Perry plays I've watched over the years. If I ever need a quick laugh I pop one of my Tyler Perry DVD's and watch it. I recently saw on Instagram that Tyler Perry's Madea's Farewell Play Tour is happening next year, which is a end to a great run but I understand why. I wish I could see it live atleast once but it's in the U.S and I'm in the U.K (silent tears). What I liked about this one was that you had your classic Grinch (the mother), the Cheater and the Tramp (I won't spoil it by telling you who) and Cinderella with a couple of fairy Godmothers. Madea plays always got a cast of FINEYSSS so if you're looking for some eye candy for the winter then that is what you should be watching.

5. Dr Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas

What is Christmas without a little animation? Something but not everything. I know there's a newer version of this movie named The Grinch, in theaters and another version with Jim Carey, but this version will always be the best version for me. That smile will always have all the others beat. That's a -I know I'm bad and so what- smile.  

We all know, or should know, what happens in The Grinch. The lonely Grinch comes from his cave with his unwilling accomplice, his dog, and swipes all the the presents from under the tree. Even making away with the Christmas Turkey. He see's Cindy......you know what? I'll just leave that for you to watch. Just know that out of all the Christmas villians, Grinch will always be number one.

Thank you so much for reading. I hope you have wonderful movie filled Christmas and remember to spread love peace and positivity.

Sincerely,

I'm Miss Forbes

Raw B:Where Is He Now

RAW B: Where Is He Now

When your supporters have more faith in you than you have in yourself, that right there is a thing of gold.

While I have been climbing mountains and stuffff (not really) Raw B has been out here making some key moves. The longtime artist of the Turks and Caicos Islands has been setting the bar collaborating with artists like Brisco and Bruno Mali Kidd. In the last few years Raw B has really pushed for his music to be mentioned, not only on local platforms but international platforms also.


While everyone already know I don't curse (if you didn't know now you know) I will add in his key phrase that he lives by, "Be You, Do You, F**k Dem."

I'm Miss Forbes keeps a eye on things and all I'm going to say is.....DON'T YOU SLEEP ON LOCAL TALENT!

Listen to some of Raw B's recent music below by clicking on the icons.

                                 

                  

You can link him on Facebook to keep up to date with his growth.

 

Facebook

P.S...I am not a Editor but if your promote this blog we can cut a check to be one.

Have a great day everyone!

Emotions In, Emotions Out

With the amount of English classes I've taken you would surely think I wouldn't need a Editor, but babyyyy I do. One day maybe? Who knows.

The last time I came to write to you guys was June 19th, 2016 and before that it was October 2nd 2015 and the list goes on. The point I am trying to make is that I came.....then I went..and then I came back and you know what? I think you guys get my drift. I was here, and I didn't know how to say what I wanted to say but just know I wanted to say ALOTTTT!!

My 2016 Draft went a little something like this "This year has been a year of hard decisions and setbacks, but where do you differentiate between complaining too much and just venting....."

At that point in my life I was just at the stages of WHY's. Why did my dad have to die? (Selfish me wanted him to walk me down the wedding isle. Lol. Whenever my prince charming decided to show up. He hasn't.) Why am I in so much pain all the time? (I had Fibroids and some other things going on inside I didn't even know about but I will take about it in a different post.) Why are they messing up all of my damnnnnn favourite OLD movies. They are old for a reason. CLASSICssss.

Too all my loyal Followers. Listen to me when I try to bill false bravado or whatever. I'M BACK!!!!! In a new country (Wait to see in another post) and living life. Hold on for the ride because it is going to be good.

I'm Miss Forbes signing out.

'Why You Gotta Stress' winter soup by Dede

For those that know me, you know that I love to experiment in the kitchen. For those that don't, then you will soon learn.

I call this one my 'Why You Gotta Stress' winter stew. Why? Because, it was cold as all get out, in Canada.

How it all started? (You may be asking me) At first this was a beef stew that I put with rice. I then added water the next day and made it into soup. Next thing I knew, it was a week later and I tried it again. This time I started it as a soup, but with what I had on hand, which was Swedish MEATBALLS!

Best of all, this is a ONE POT MEAL!!

There are two versions of this stew/soup, but this is the meatball version. To make the stew beef version just add stewed beef that has been browned before adding to the pot.

Ingredients

2 canned stewed tomatoes 795ml (For those that know how to make it. Power to you!!. I tried and it tasted like plain,watered tomatoes)
1/2 box Gemilli pasta or any type of short pasta 500g (wheat pasta works fine also)
1/2 jar of Classico Roasted Portobello Mushroom 650ml
Salt and pepper to taste (A lot of people are taking salt out of their diets, so add seasoning a little at a time and taste, taste, taste) Please don't over season. I also add a little garlic.
10 palm sized Meatballs (you can cheat with store bought Italian meatballs)
1 carrot (chopped, diced, whichever)
1/4 head of Cabbage (chopped)
1 cup of Spinach
3 cans of Dark Red Kidney Beans 15.5 oz (I love it in this soup but you can just add one or two cans. Drained)
2 cup of water

All ingredients can be added at the same time in the beginning, excluding pasta and spinach. Pasta and spinach should be added the last 10-15 minutes of cooking time.
Bring pot to a boil and then let simmer on low for 45mins-1hour.
When using stewed beef I let simmer for 1hour 30mins-1hour 45mins



Enjoy!!!

Recipe by Dede

Clap Back season is over!

Not everything someone says deserve a response. Yes, I know. You've heard this a million times. Let me be a million and one then. 

It is so disturbing how we find the time and the medium to answer people back, constantly, and so publicly. Facebook and Instagram are not your friend.

Yeah, I know sometimes people can rub you the WRONG way, but understand this. People are watching, reading, learning, sharing, laughing, commenting, re-posting moments of your life even without your knowledge. 

Ladies, we have to keep on our toes. We as children and adults must walk, think and act as if we have invisible eyes on our back 24/7. You may say you don't care, or it is your life, but these things affect where you are able to go, who you are able to work for, and how you are basically able to survive in today's society. I am not saying that you must conform to who you are not, we all are one of a kind, unique in our own way, but remember that mystery holds power also.

One time in my life, I let a person get to me. I didn't even know this person, but they were emailing me, they Facebook me and basically said all types of things about me that I know was not true. I got so upset that I posted one short message on Facebook, because I felt like I had no one to talk to about it and I regretted it immediately. A grown up that I hold dear to my heart told me to calm down and when I did I realized that the internet world does not need to know my reality.

So be the case, if you feel like you don't have anyone to talk to I find that writing things down and re- reading it after you have calmed down gives a clarity to what you have written. If you feel that it could fall into the wrong hands just shred it or light it (safely).


We are not all saints and I am not saying to bite your tongue, all I am saying is you must think before you answer back and how you are going to do that. Social media does not have to be a war zone. 




Have a good day beautiful people. xoxo

New 2015 hit by Young Heat and NayNay- She's a Boss with it

Rise and shine young Turks and Caicos. Today I have two new artist to the blog by the name of Young Heat and NayNay, who have released their 2015 new hit song 'She's A Boss With It'.

Recently, I asked Young Heat how this particular song came around and he said, "It all came along by me sending her the beat, then I told her just bring me a verse and I'll help her from there. She came to the studio with a verse talking about how she works hard to do what she does, like on her job, meaning her life story, hotel works, but she is not an artist like me, as yet. I already knew what to do to put it together. When I heard her verse she sounded like a boss, because she works for hers. All I did was switch it up and make it more real with man and woman lifestyle in art." Young Heat has been a long time artist to the music scene and has recorded many songs and videos.

Later I messaged NayNay to get her input on what music was to her and her thoughts when writing her verse. NayNay agreed with what Young Heat said but also added more, saying that she was really busy to even write the lyrics in the beginning. Dealing with work and her little girls(beautiful) that when she received some vacation time she had a chance to write.

To NayNay rapping is something that is just the creativity in her but says that her true passion and dreams is to attend performing arts school for singing, acting and dancing. She goes on to say that she is working hard and trying to accumulate funds to go back to school. 

It just goes to show that even if you are working a 9-5 or your dreams takes 5-9 years don't forget that you are working for your dream and never put that dream aside.

Young Heat & NayNay-  She's A Boss With It

             
Contact: For more info

CALL: #1649-345-0745                                   INSTAGRAM: @nayflame
EMAIL: lexdanigilbert@hotmail.com                 FACEBOOK: Still Gucci Ugh
FACEBOOK: Lex Dani Gilbert                           TWITTER: @808naynay

StillGucciUgh(NayNay) ft. Young Heat - The Come Up

Raw B: New video for his mixtape song "Coco"

Last week I had a chance to chat with local artist Raw B about his new music video "Coco". The song, written by Raw b and shot by The Come Up creators Molly Cadet of Natural View Productions and by Digital Handprint was released September 8th and has been gaining a steady amount of views from fans of not just only music but fans of Raw B as a artist in his own right.

When asked why he decided to right this song Raw B said, "the song coco was big on its own and plenty of my fans asked me to do my version of it, so I just put something together. Plus I could relate to the song, I can relate to the hustling and making something out of nothing."

The video was shot at local spots Club 2005, Danny Buoy's, DJ Hoodie's party and Fish Fry (a event that is hosted every Thursday for locals and tourist alike).

This is not the first video that Raw B has shot and he seems determined to present his name to the international community that has a taste for multiple genres.

Since February, when we last did a post on Raw B, he has been taking major steps to travel outside of the Turks and Caicos Islands and record in Atlanta.





Raw B - Coco

[Mixtape] Raw B - Hundreds In The Trap :: #GetItLIVE! http://livemixtap.es/q6f
@IndyTapes @RealRaw_B @DJRell

"LOGIN IN TO LIVEMIXTAPES.COM AND VOTE UP MY MIXTAPE ---> Hundreds In The Trap ---> HOSTED BY DJ MUTHAFUCKING RELL"  -Raw B

https://www.facebook.com/The-Come-UP-120379351641543/timeline/

IslandGurlz3900 thanks Raw B for his continue support of this blog.

Our islands can be beautiful

Let me start by telling you guys a little story, then I will get to what I am saying.

So, one day I was sitting down on a bench at the airport. A couple passed by (tourist heading back). They smiled at me and said "hello" and I said "hey" back. I wasn't really feeling that "hey" I had said because of how my week was going. I was tired, exhausted and basically over the two week job I was on (Which I was thankful to have). The guy passed back and he was smiling big. I was wondering to myself if he felt that happy or was it because it was the type of person he is. When he passed back the second time he cracked a joke about wearing out the pavement and I just looked at him and laughed, and said "Your probably are". 

Not the end of the story but....

You know what he did for me that day? He cheered me up until I was invigorated to go in and work harder at my job, which was handing out surveys. Some days we go to a job that is constant interaction with people and we feel like "I can't take putting on a smile today,with some people being so rude" 

I went back to handing out surveys and when I got to where they were sitting inside I handed them a survey and they did it because they said "We will do it because you are so nice". I laughed and thanked them and while they were filling it out we got to talking and they told me how they walked up and down Longbay beach, everyday, and the trash they saw lying around. Bottles, cans, a boat railing (which he dragged from on the beach to the trash) and other garbage. They also told me how they took to carrying a shopping bag to pick up as they went along. I was so embarrassed to hear that they had to do that on their vacation here. I told them that we were trying to change that for the better with our surveys. When they finished the survey I went to the next person and as I stood in front of them I realized I did not tell them thank you. So I went right back over and said "thank you very much for what you did, cleaning up our beach". They said it was not any trouble at all and that they loved everything about the island and they wish that we would do something about keeping the beaches clean. Then the guy suggested we put a trash can every thirty feet or so, that when locals and tourists go to the beach to have a picnic or a party or whatever that they have somewhere to throw the trashes that is close by. I really thought on that and I believe that what they said hold some merit. 

We live in a day in age when a garbage reciprocal isn't close for some people or even right in front of us we throw in on the ground and that has become a common practice everywhere! Not only here. But if we realize that this country strives on mainly tourism then we will try to keep tourism flowing. Yes, they do come here, but how do we keep them here. They come here for the beautiful island, our food (which some now shove out the restaurants with hardly any taste and overly high cost) and our beaches (which some hotels misinform the tourist so they would not leave the grounds and visit local attractions but instead to spend money in there vicinity). 

I said all of that so this. This is OUR country, Turks Islanders. Does not matter if you were born here or not. Which we should love, protect and NOT neglect. I know sometimes situations and circumstances make it hard to even look at this place, but we must realize that this country has potential to be something. One generation does not last forever. A new generation can come and bring fresh ideas, fresh changes and brand new starts.


If there is any business or home owners reading this listen to this idea,

Do not wait for volunteers to clean up and then when it gets dirty the next day you leave it as so. Take this task and clean the area in front of your building. Say you are the owner of IGA. If you take to making sure every bottle or can or trash is moved from the front of your establishment meeting up the road and the houses across from you make sure their property does the same thing meeting up to the road, then that just leaves the road itself to be kept clean. Now the government. If you make sure that the middle point which is the road is kept clean then all three persons would have had done their part.Also, if the fines would be enforced on those that have parties at their establishment or business things would begin to change. My mother would have to clean in front of her yard every few days after persons visit an establishment across the road and park and throw trash right there. Businesses need to take responsibility for some of these things. Do not wait on the public.  That was just an example of what we all can do to help keep our area clean. If  motorist see anyone deliberately dumping trash on or alongside the road then do your part in taking pictures of the action and sending it to the police. 


Thank you guys for reading this. 

"We are beautiful by nature"

Featuring our guest: Raw B with his new hit "Deeper Than Emotions"

   Talent doesn't sleep

   Raw B- Deeper Than Emotions

                             

Raw B, a local artist of the Turks and Caicos Islands, new hit "Deeper Than Emotions is not a starting point for him, but a new venture into bigger and better things for 2015. As the first Caribbean rapper on the hip hop site "Traps N Trunks", he is solidifying his name on a international level.

To get where you are going in life, you have to be persistent. Don't settle for those that say"No", "Check me back later","I can't right now".  For someone to even touch success they have to work,work,work. That is what our guest Raw B does everyday. Everytime I sign into my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram I see post after post promoting his own work. Those that live in the Turks and Caicos know the Islands have talent, it just isn't promoted or cultured as it should be. Since February 3rd,2015, Deeper Than Emotions has gained 1087 views and rising. As a person that is always willing to takes steps to help himself, as well as others in the community, he has given himself a foothold into climbing above poverty, crime and stigma labeled to some of our young men and women today. We have a chance to help each other rise in whatever career path we take and just because it is not your passion does not mean it isn't someone else's.

Click on the link below to listen to "Deeper Than Emotions". Show your support to a local TCI artist.

http://trapsntrunks.com/2015/02/03/video-raw-b-deeper-emotions/

If you want to be a guest of this blog just contact us here or on facebook.

Pepper steak

First Lady Wig

It's the First Lady. First wig review done by me. Look for more to come while I grow out my natural hair. This wig is to help me protect my hair while maintaining growth.

A day in the life......March15th

Thought I would share with you guys pics that I have taken on my excursions outside. Can you guess where I am?

New international student regulations. Helpful!!!

New regulations for international students finalized

Studying in Canada or anywhere can be costly. After researching we have found new regulations to be put in effect June 1,2014 that will allow international students to work 20-week during the school term and regularly during breaks.

For more information on this follow link below.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/notices/2014-02-12.asp

Featuring our guests: Upcoming visionaries, Let's INC.

The concept of Let's INC logo: The light bulb represents the power of your imagination and the ability to think of great ideas. The missing half of the light bulb represents the work and effort one has to put into creating their dreams. Bringing the logo to life is the colour green representing nurturing and growth.

About Us

Let's INC is an advising and mentoring blog site focused on helping others Imagine the possibilities, Nurture their potential and Create opportunities to realize their dream; by providing the help and guidance one needs to see their vision through. From tips for everyday living, surviving the important college years to figuring out your career path and much more: Let’s INC is committed to helping you live your best life. 

 The inspiration for Let's INC 

Let's Inc Statement:    

Let's INC has been a brainchild of mine for quite some time. I have been fortunate enough to have great mentors that have equipped me with invaluable knowledge and helped me along the way. I needed a way to pay it forward – to create a platform where the experiences and lessons that I have learned can be shared in hopes of inspiring others.

The tricky part was finding the perfect way to do this. I wanted the ideal medium that would connect with my target audience while allowing me to be vocal in the quest to help others Imagine, Nurture and Create. Today’s generation is known for its love of the internet – it is how we connect with friends, network, and digest our daily news. With this in mind, the concept of a blog was born. A blog would offer me the opportunity to share my experiences, offer sound advice and help mentor someone along the way. 

However, in order to reach as many people as possible this cannot be a sole venture. Partnering with me is a great team of lifelong friends who too realize the importance of and have benefited from great advising and a helping hand in various stages of their life. With their wide range of expertise, they can provide a different perspective on the various topics that we will cover here on this site.

We are a diverse group with so much to share. Join us as we fulfill our dream of helping others reach theirs!

Mission Statement

Let's INC will serve as a creative forum to help promote the uncensored thoughts and views of young people. 

Our goal is to help others:

 I - Imagine the possibilities that are within their reach and become positive thinkers.

N - Nurture their innate potential and ability to fearlessly take the world on and thrive 

C - Create their own opportunities to further realize their dreams

Let’s INC is volunteer based and the target audience ages range from 16 to 30.

There is an array of topics that would be covered on the website, a few are listed below.

• ·         Cynicism
• ·         Building self-esteem and character
• ·         Peer pressure
• ·         Importance of living in the moment 
• ·         Prioritizing and Planning
• ·         Individuality/Defining yourself
• ·         Setting goals
• ·         Spiritual development
• ·         Leaders and Followers
• ·         Succeeding in High School 
• ·         College/University Life

Ø  Choosing the right College/University

Ø  Applying

Ø  Entrances essays

Ø  Making the most out of your college experience

Ø  Internships

• ·         Time Management
•  ·          Financial planning

Ø  Making a budget

Ø  Saving

Ø  Retirement plans

• ·         Post Grad Life
• ·         Getting a job

Ø  Resume building

Ø  Writing cover letters

Ø  Applying for a job

Ø  How to conduct a proper interview

Ø  Importance of interview follow up

• ·         Networking
• ·         Finding balance in life
• ·         Failures/Second chances
• ·         Sacrifice
• ·         Social Media

Let’s INC Team (or as we like to call ourselves INCers)

• ·         TeAndra Thomas
• ·         TeAnn Thomas
• ·         Havana Handfield
• ·         Remi Hamilton
• ·         Kittraina Moore
• ·         Brianna Williams
• ·         Natalya Muncuff
• ·         Ruel Strachan II

     You can find them on

      Facebook:

      https://www.facebook.com/letsinc  

     Their website:

      http://www.letsinc.org