“A 24 -year-old television reporter, Alison Parker and Adam Ward, 27, who was a cameraman, photographer and videographer, were killed, according to WDBJ7 in Roanoke, Va. as they were doing a live report. The incident was caught on film around 6:45 a.m. at Bridgewater Plaza when they were interviewing a woman with a local chamber group. Those at the station said they heard six to seven shots and then nothing as the camera fell.” – Washington Post

What in the actual _uck is going on in the world? These people left their homes, their families, their loved ones to enter into a profession that you would never expect to be so randomly affected by murder. These two employees weren’t covering a storm or even a murder court case where putting your life at risk is something you’re remotely prepared for. The latest reports claim that the shooter may be a disgruntled employee of that television station

Our condolences go out to everyone affected by this senseless tragedy.

We doh know about you but whenever anything happens outside of Trinidad & Tobago, we put ourselves in their shoes. What the hell would we do if that were to happen here?! We are currently in the middle of a heated election season with words being thrown, accusations being made, alleged death-threats being sent and reporters allegedly comprising their integrity for a quick paycheck.

What would we as a people do if this media & political environment escalated to this level?

One thing we cannot do is dismiss it with our favourite “God is a Trini. Nothing bad does ever happen to us.”

When are we going to open our eyes and realise that this is not just a situation that we’ll follow on Twitter and see shared constantly throughout the day. Our criminals may seem to not be randomly motivated but we can guarantee you that they are just as, if not more, brazen and boldfaced with their criminal actions. It’s high time we as a people personally and collectively:

1.

2.

Take ownership for our role in the current economic, social and political environment.

3.

Educate ourselves with manifestos for both parties and not just the party yuh backing.

4.

Use the Internet, use Twitter, use Facebook. Read, research, educate ourselves on what has happened and what is happening.

5.

Go to a rally for each party. Experience the atmosphere of the supporters, look past the grand-charge talk and actually listen to what they’re saying and how they’re saying it.

6.

Vote not for what you think you know but for what you think the political party is capable of doing to improve our islands.

7.

Have an active role in creating the future for generations to come.

We know these points may seem airy fairy and it’s more fun to spend your day searching for the best picture for your #tbt post tomorrow (doh lie! We all go wayyyy back through in our Facebook on the hunt) but we beg you, urge you, promise to give you a free comp to a SCORCH cruise if you don’t just skim through the news coverage today, take some time to see the world for what it really is and pretty much, just give a little teeny bit of a sh!t.

Well, first, before we start with the steps, it is important that you have these ingredients. Not sure what they are from the picture? Well, here we have:

• Brown Sugar
• Rice
• Chadon Beni
• Coconut milk
• Peas and carrots
• Onions
• Garlic
• Tomato
• Green pepper
• Pimento
• Ketchup
• Oil
• Maggie Season Up (chicken)
• Chicken (cut up and seasoned please!)

Alright, so next up, we have the Steps.

Step 1: Burning the sugar

This is probably one of the most crucial steps in making a good Trini ‘Lau. Start by heating some oil at medium high heat. Once it’s hot, scatter the brown sugar into the pot to ensure that the sugar is caramelized evenly. Now, once you see that sugar start to get melt and caramelize (take a nice brown colour), make sure you add your seasoned chicken one time, because there is a thin line between a sweet, pot-banging pelau and a bitter, bun sugar pelau that you will eventually end up throwin for yuh pothound, and nobody wants that.

Step 2: Cooking the meat

Once you add the chicken or meat, mix it thoroughly with the sugar so that the meat is coated with the mixture. At this point you could take yuh insta pic or update yuh Facebook status to “bubblin a pot” for a 7-10 minutes before you have to worry about doing anything else.

Step 3: Adding other ingredients

Right, so now is the time to add yuh pigeon peas, carrots, onions, pimentos, all that good stuff to spice up yuh pot. Stir this mixture for about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Adding the liquids

What is a good ‘lau without some coconut milk? So at this point, pour in the coco milk, the stock and about 3 cups of water. Season with salt and pepper to preference, and if yuh want a bess pelau like we had at SCORCH, add a whole pepper. Stir everything to mix and cover the lid to bring the pot to a boil.

Step 5: Adding the rice

Of course you cannot forget the rice. When the pot is boiling, add the rice and continue to stir for a minute and place the lid back onto the pot.

Step 6: Boiling and Simmering

Keep checking your pot every now and then until you notice that the pot has come to a boil after adding the rice. Then, remove the lid partially to the side and continue to boil until you can see the surface of the dish. Now you want to cover the pot completely, reduce the heat to low to let it simmer. Leave to cook for 25 – 30 minutes or until all the liquid has evaporated, but make sure you keep watching yuh pot so it doh burn!

So by now yuh should have a boss Pelau in yuh hands, and don’t worry, tell yuh man/woman they could thank us later!

As I scanned the Promenade, I contemplated Hosein’s, the pie lady, and even a box ah dead. Then suddenly, I saw something that caught my eye, as well as my half-filled with lint wallet: “Tastee Doubles ………$3.00″. Ah mean….$3.00?! That is a STEAL. So ah swing my steering and park my cheap @ss up by Church’s. Walking to the man, something tell me, yuh know, it must be have a reason why the man is $3.00, but by then my wallet and my stomach equally had agreed that they just didn’t _ucking care.

As soon as I got the attention of the right hand man, I spat out my regular order, “Lemme get one, everything and slight”. PA PA. That one doubles shell down my belly so much, I stood up by Tastee for 2 more (of course at this point in time, Carnival 2016 was nowhere in my mind). Satisfied, I smile, take my Red Solo to go, and handed over a mere $13 for a full breakfast fit only for Champions.

Doh get me wrong, I know it have doubles like Sauce in Curepe, Doubles Factory in Aranguez, and even George by Brooklyn Bar…but that morning, Tastee by Henry St and Independence Square, SHELL.
Dai me dey for yuh SCORCH Food Report, was alyuh favourite doubles spot/BESS doubles spot? Let us know!

As many of you know , one incident changed everything. Changed the game, changed the mas, changed me and even changed the tone of this post, making it very different from the others. But there is something hysterical and telling about being in an ER two weeks before carnival with your first three questions being,

“When can I get back to work?”
“When can I drink?”
…and “Can I play mas?”

No wonder the doctor still doesn’t take me seriously lol

There’s something even more telling about the nurse smiling as she cuts the SCORCH band of your hand as you go into theatre, and something existential about counting backwards before surgery thinking about life in its fullest. There is something overwhelming about an unexpected outpouring of love and support when you didn’t even know anyone knew and something moving to have received love and inspiration from the most unlikely of places… #watermelon

Despite its shaky beginnings, this Carnival was NOT the worst, bad, or anywhere near dismal as I expected, but rather turned out to be one of the BEST in my life!

DEY COULD TRY, BUT DEY CYAH HOLD MEH DOWN!

Somewhere amidst the car wreck, broken wing, meds and flowers, the Carnival spirit fueled me in a different way than it had in the past. I was filled with strength, purpose and drive. I was determined to give my friends, family and masqueraders the same level of vibrations that they had sent to me. To make sure to see the monster that is TRIBE hit the road in its 11th year, And determined to experience ‘that feeling’ as I saw BLISS on the road for its 5th anniversary, with more Pomp than ever before! I was determined to be safe, but to play mas and to make sure that I didn’t hit the road looking like a patient LOL #SLINGBLING

And so I JOIN in the words of Bunji and say
“Turn de music loud, make sure yuh glass have beers!”
“Everybody raise your glasses with mine “
“Show meh yuh glass high! CHEERS!” as we Salute C2K15 in its highest !

CHEERS to you, for being some of the vibsiest revelers I’ve seen in years! De road looked good!
CHEERS to my fellow designers and the mas bands for making beautiful presentations and displaying our colours well,
And CHEERS to the artists for giving us that good ‘thumpa thumpa’ to keep it moving.
…from my heart to yours…

CHEERS to all those who sent their love, positivity and concern,
CHEERS to my TRIBE family for helping me in every way possible to make this ordeal easier,
CHEERS to my momma and friends for helping make my costume on carnival Saturday, shave my legs and get dressed for the road (Gurl! the struggle was real lol) ,
CHEERS to all of you for reading my ramblings from week to week and
CHEERS to SCORCH for allowing me to say thanks

Show meh yuh Glass high as we CHEERS to celebrating Life!
As we CHEERS to Change and randomness!
And as we CHEERS to keep pumpin no matter what may come our way!

The #RoadtoDeRoad for me was tough, and it continues but this carnival and YOU gave me a renewed perspective and VALidation for what I am sharing with you here today! Dey Cyah Keep We Down!

Look for meh in Jamishness! CHEERS!!

@instaval_tt (01/16/15): “Disaster has struck! I finally tripped over a b**** shoes in the club!”

We all grew up Hearing and loving the Classic Disney Tale of Cinderella. A Tale of Love, Glamour, Parties and Shoes coming off at the end of the Night. As fate would have it the stories of my youth have come to plague my adult life and so I ask, have the young ladies (and some men) of our generation been conditioned by this ‘harmless’ childhood tale? Anyone who knows me knows that one my personal pet peeves are the ‘Barefoot Contessas’ of the Clubs. Hunny, it is not a good look! #JesusTakeTheWheel. And as carnival draws near, a season that takes the yearly party vibe and puts it in overdrive, one where we leave the tempered flooring of the clubs for hard car parks and the road and one that pushes the fashion circuit into a frenzy with comfort lying dead for Couture, the Shoes are going to be coming off faster than we could say ‘PAHTEE DONE!’ #JesusTakeTheWholeDamnCar

After my unfortunate fall earlier this year, I realized it was time for me to pull out my Fairy God Mother Wand to save others from a similar fate this season. I mean, it is now a matter of public safety, right? #ArriveAlive. So listen here all you Cinderellas, cuz sh!t just got real! And as Ratchet is not the Pantone Colour of the season, here’s my short but friendly guide to you, FROM FETE TO FEET!

‘Pum-Pum Playground’ aka Cooler/Wet fetes

Ahhhhh yes, the cooler fete. The land where children run free and pum-pum shorts and slippers can mix safely without spontaneously combusting. Where mothers say a prayer when their daughters leave the house, and fathers shake their heads when their sons come home. These events are all about ‘waylay’ and comfort so go hard and live like yuh in yuh bedroom! Flats, flats and more flats! Now young ladies, this is NO excuse, outfit wise, to look like ‘WHORA the Explorer’. But once de pegs in place, yuh safe!

‘Big People Party’ aka the All Inclusive

Oohh, the Glamour! The excitement! The PORMP! An environment filled with excess and one where wedges flourish! All inclusives are the Galas of our season. The events that Demand attention, and Paparazzi Appeal Dress Up! Enjoy and like yuhself in d Champagne! These are definite heels and wedge events and most promoters provide flooring and plan their events in consideration of women’s shoes (e.g. a wedge-inclusive with Port-a-Floor, or a heel-inclusive with platforms and decks). Heels give so much more than height. They make you so statuesque and give confidence in a step that’s worth more than the Louboutins on my feet! Yes b!tch ‘my feet’…keep it moving. They give you #CalvesFromCalfLand and really do make an outfit. At the same time, BE REALISTIC in what you can walk in and buy accordingly.
Inner soles for some of these shoes can go a long way (Can I get an AMEN?) and so does a shot of puncheon every hour or so!

‘Beg-4-Comps Inclusives’ aka Bigger people party

The events where you have to ask yourself, “What’s worth more, the fete or food?” Comfort is couture road kill at these events. #WhatNameFlatShoes. These are the events where Spanks first and breathe after, where paint my face bitch till you can’t tell my real skin tone, where heels will take you to the moon and back! The events where a flat slipper would make you instantly out of place (Sigghhhh…*looks longingly into the computer Screen*).

and of Course…

On De road: The Biggest Foot wear Dilemma of them all!

Most of my time between November to the Road is spent discussing Boots with masqueraders and I must say I am a firm believer in WEDGES (*ducks for cover* AH SORRY!). I know they may not be the most comfortable to all, but to those who have figured out the delicate art of ‘double socksing’ or ‘Dr. Scholls-ing’, wedge boots can create pure Magic. I don’t know if it was my upbringing in HARTS or my obsession with Individual Mas, but I have seen wedge boots and the right foot wear turn a ‘Backline Betty’ into a SCORCH photographer’s dream!
FLAT BOOTS – work well of course but be sure to match the height of the boot with your body and legs. The wrong height boot can really throw off your proportions. The decision between slouchy boots and straight ones are also a question of body type and proportion.
BOOTIES – This is a hard one. They are a definite hit or miss and not many people can pull them off on the road. Apart from proportion, your costume and leg piece options must be considered here.
SNEAKERS – NO! *drops mike* #ByeFELICIA
HEELS – I love to see them! They are the ultimate in masquerader Glam! The ooze ferocity and scream HARTS section leader! Ladies…I have respect for those of you who can do it, because DAT is dedication! If you are going this route, however, plan ahead and have a concierge service or security that can hold a change of shoes for after the stage.

As with any finishing touch, it can either make or break you aesthetic and your carnival depending on comfort! So think smart and wisely especially on footwear. You wear the outfit, the outfit doesn’t wear you. Choose wisely and try NOT to trip me! Seriously…or I will cut a hoe! And for my CinderFellas out there, I see you…we live in a new age and men’s fashion is just as real as for the girls. So, break those shoes in before you hit the road (a lesson I have learned the hard way :/). Buy your size and consider comfort!

“Bippity Boppity Boo!” *Hits you with Fairy Wand!*

The months between launch and the road really is like entering Project Runway – challenge > craziness > runway! After costume choice, masqueraders slip into a fit of purchases seemingly feeling that every gaudy accessory in the world would just ‘ups and disappear’. Just the other day a masquerader called me in a frenzy saying that she bought ten pairs of earrings for her costume and now can’t choose which to wear…*Cough again*… In the wise words of Anya, “DIS IS MADNESS!”. Instead of turning your homes into a Rattans look alike with random accessories, makeup and glitter that you will not use, THINK SMART! Remember that Mas and Cosquel are two different things! Your costume is like an outfit and should be treated as such – An accessory could make or break it.

“Designers, you have 5 more minutes to design and sketch your plan of attack” (Tim Gunns’s Voice)

In this day and age where EVERYONE is an individual and VS Supermodel, the right approach to a costume could guarantee you a spot in that magazine and make you shine brighter than any Diamond Rhianna could sing about! “Find a place make a stage and MOVE!” Fayanne had the right idea – if you’re going to be in the same costume that 300 other people are wearing you need to know how to stand out! Thus, ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you to the ABC’s of Mas: ‘Accessories’, ‘Boostamas’ and ‘Cosmetics and Curls’, aka the ‘Tun-Up Triangle’; the three elements that can make you look either TUN UP or TUN DOWN!

A

There is nothing worse than a man with a big tool who doesn’t know how to use it. In the same way, the Triangle is a tool to be used to our advantage. Before you even venture into Wonderful World, consider the Accessories (Options) that the designer has provided for the section. These have been designed for the costume and are often part of the original plan. Sometimes the inclusion of a simple collar can be all that a girl needs to shine. Moving on to phase 2 (aka wonderful world), take the same approach as a designer – look at your costume as a base, study the picture and assess where you think needs color, ‘filling out’ or sparkle, just as you would an outfit. Even though mas is about excess, do not overdo! A feathered earring is not a solution to everything.

B

Ladies, putting it simply, God has already done it for you. The two best accessories known to man are right below your neck and just above your stomach (Go ahead and check to make sure lol). Just keeping it real! Half of designers’ time goes into your Bosoms, how to make them stand and keep standing and shining throughout the day! Much to the dismay of many of my straight guy friends, I have had much experience and interaction with braziers and their inhabitants and my expert approach is quite simple. When you look at them, they must look like they are looking back at you (Like bright eyes 0_0). You pack enough Bounty into the bottom of that bra until the cleavage evens off with the bottom boning and you’d be surprised with the results. I call this ‘doing the TRIBE’; proudly turning B’s into C’s for ten years.

C

HAIR is to today what boots were to 5 years ago. Just as we rise to get makeup did at ungodly hours of the morning, pay heed to your head ladies and be-weave in the power of the stylist! Can I get an AMEN!? There is nothing more unattractive than a weave gone wrong after lunch! Choose a hair style that is good for you, your head piece and your costume. With all these tiaras that have trended costume showrooms these days, I strongly recommend making a hair appointment alongside that makeup so that your doo is as tight as that face! Recommendation to my hairstylist and makeup artists out there, TEAM UP in tha name of beauty! BEAT DAT FACE!!!! I need say nothing more on this, except again…BEATTT DATTT FACEEEEEE!!!! There is no excuse. Running behind the truck and away from tusty men on the road is a hard day’s work, and you want your face to keep up just as much as you and Johnnie are Walking. Make your appointment early with reliable, recommended and tested makeup artists. BE ON TIME! DO NOT miss your appointment! Realistically there are only so many hours before the truck horn blows and if you miss your spot, GURL BYE! Also, do not be afraid to ask questions on primers etc. In terms of style of makeup its purely up to you, but this should also be discussed with the artist beforehand to prevent ‘surprises’.

As ridiculous as this may sound, mas is like your wedding day. The Triangle and all the prep and prodding we do is to create a magical experience for you to enjoy. One of the things that I have always loved about Carnival is that it is an opportunity for a person to take on a different persona, stand out from the crowd, jump out of their shell, break away from the dogma of the mundane, put on a costume and bawl ‘LOOK AH REACH!’. I cannot end talking about accessories without mentioning the most effective one of all – confidence! There is absolutely nothing more attractive on a woman than that. It is our God given bronzer and highlight! It’s almost confusing to ask which comes first, the costume or the confidence? The chicken or the egg? In the end, the question shames in comparison to the result. The Jumbie that is MAS within us begins to veer its little head from July getting stronger and stronger with every week. Maybe it’s the spirit of mas that wakens something in us, an adrenalin or a madness (Admit it! Bitches be cray!) that dispels fears, quails inhibitions and opens the flood gates to love, laughter and lacaray. Prepare and be smart! And know that you are fierce and fabulous with or without the glitz! Remember the costume accessorizes you and not the other way around!

Hmmm, Where do I start?…

Four score and something years ago I came across a feathered pen and aged parchment and found my calling, a calling to relay my message and blah blah blah…SCCREEECCCHHH…BOOM. BANG. ENDLESS WUK!!! Sorry guys, I wish it were this poetic but it ain’t…

Hey Gurl Hey! I’m Val, Gyuol How! [Fagapedia - 'Nice to meet you./ How are you?'].

So, how did this all start? Over the years I have mastered the rigorous art of ‘Ole Talk’. It is one that I am very proud of and have spent my short life refining. This life skill works very well with my secondary profession of being a qualified Limer and Mas- enthusiast. I mean, if you’re out having a time, it makes sense to balance a scotch in one hand with a good ole talk in the other, right?

Through this, I’ve had the pleasure of enduring a painfully vybzie existence meeting many very interesting, beautiful, strange and some absolutely insane people that have brought colour to my life. I’ve also have had the pleasure of developing an interesting perspective that allows me to enjoy all that I do and experience; an interesting perspective that leads me to have thoughts on different things and view the world in the most intriguing way. For years people have told me that I should write, blog or tweet and now, well the time just seemed right.

After University I had the blessing of being able to follow my dreams by living life through my talents and having a ‘job’ that makes me happy (I believe firmly in this). I figured if I was going to write, best I write about something that I knew inside out and that would bring a smile to both myself and those who can’t run fast enough LOL – and since one can ONLY write so much about doubles- BOOM! ‘#VAL’ was born!!!

So there it is, my name is @instaval_tt (*cue self-advertising*) and I have a problem. Costume & Event designer and Consultant by profession. Entrepreneur by Curiosity. Tweeter by ‘Idle Fingers’. IG Whore by ‘IG WHOREDOM’. Now I’m a ‘SCORCH Rambler’ by… idk, lets just see where this goes.

In this column I hope to be able to share moments and topics with you to help your CarniVAL experience and so much more, for as we know, it can be a season of confusion, indecision and decisions!!! I tend to have the strangest experiences and conversations known to man and I hope that in imparting these that I shall ‘end world hunger and bring change and PEACE to the globe!!!’. Wellllllll, a bit ambitious, but you know what I mean.

As our conversations continue, I plan on bringing a ‘LOL’ to your day whilst talking about as much Mas Related stuff that comes to mind… until dey tell meh to ‘Wine and Hush!’. If nothing else, at least ah promise yuh d’ lime go be good! So, stay tuned folks, more to come

Cheers!

For those of you living under The Rock of Gibraltar and don’t know about “The Fappening”, it was when Apple’s iCloud server was hacked and a bunch of nude celebrity photos were posted online.

This also led to every Tom, Dick & Harry joining in and posting very intimate pics of their exes, outside ting and/or chile mudda using the hashtag #thefappening.

Yuh would think you might have learnt from that fiasco, but no.. you still take chain up from a friend and jump to download Snapchat cuz they told you “the pic does delete 10 seconds after it send so yuh safe” WRONG. You’re not safe… There’s a new hashtag on the way and it is being dubbed #thesnappening !!! So all those naked bathroom and bedroom photos you sent over Snapchat may soon be circulating the internet. Yes, you feeling bummy again ent?

Hackers on the site 4chan.org, same site responsible for the fappening leak, have warned that over 100,000 images and videos may soon be leaked online in an event being called “The Snappening” basically the follow up to “The Fappening”.

If this does in fact “snappen” (see what i did there?) it will be a lot more brutal due to the fact that the hackers said pics and vids will be released in a searchable database… yes people would be able to search through the pics by Snapchat usernames! So even if you took pics from the neck down you won’t be able to hide. Many people believe this may be a hoax but at the same time this can actually take place.

Whether “The Snappening” is going to occur or not it is the latest reminder that no matter how far technology has progressed over the years. If you absolutely need to send those incriminating photos, which seems to be a necessity of late, the safest way is still by using a polaroid or disposable camera, where the actual prints can be tied to a pigeon’s foot and sent to the lucky or unlucky recipient.

If yuh still insist on sending ting… here are some quick tips for keeping your information safe on the Internet:

Setup 2-factor authentication: 2-factor authentication means that when you try to sign into an account from a new or different location, an e-mail or text message can be sent to your phone, confirming that you’re signing in at that location. They may send a verification phone, that you then have to use to get into ur account from the new location.

Clever Password: yuh think yuh smart. You’d be surprised how many people out there still using “Password” and “123456”. In fact, those two in battle for the most commonly used passwords world-wide. Experts suggest that to create a safe password.. make up a sentence turn it into an acronym. e.g. SCORCH have too much vibes, would make your password sumn like “SCORCHh2mv!” super simple n not so easy to figure that one out. (daz not our password eh so doh even try.)

Use Security Questions wisely : Oddly enough, Got this tip on the website where all the leaked photos can be found! It’s a good idea though. Make up the answers to your security questions. I mean, everyone who was in class with you already has the name to yuh first high school teacher… think about it!

Regular online safety rules will tell yuh this one…. Change your passwords often… and for the sake of jah, doh write it down .. If yuh really bad at passwords, you could try out a password-saver app, but make sure it’s one that’s super secure and highly recommended.

Hypothetically speaking though, if your nude pics were leaked online how would you react and deal with that situation?

In the midst of photographers hecklin at the couple for being late to a show and runnin round trying to rescue his woman from crazy sickafants, he is seen here looking rather relaxed and boobalicious sitting at a Lanvin show next to his wifey…..we not sure what we think of Mrs West’s ensemble, all we hoping for is that it stays right dey…on her in Paris.

Please let’s not have to start covering our eyes from various specimens of man boobs on display here in Trini. Yuh know we like to be in everything.

The Good

Get up and dust yourself off. Kim’s reaction to her Sex tape with Ray J. She did not fall into depression or allow people to bully her into submission, she moved on with her life. Ladies bounce back from your mistakes, forgive yourself and move on. So you made a mistake, all your friends warned you not to go around with the man cause he bad like market crab and you still did it and you fell in love and he horn you with your roommate and now she pregnant with twins and they are planning their wedding. We’ve all made bad decisions in life and as a result found ourselves in sh*tty situations. Do like Kim, hold your head up high and move on. Don’t get stuck replaying the events in your mind.

Started from the bottom!

Seek ways to earn extra money through business ideas. The Kardashians have business acumen. Rather than sitting on their laurels, Kim and her sisters opened retail stores as well as created cosmetics and perfume lines. If you’re a bank teller with a knack for makeup, why not spread the word in your social circle that you’re available to do cosmetics for any event? We ladies should not let an opportunity to make extra income pass. Having a small business that brings in income boosts the morale of women, will increase your independence and keep you busy!

Your health is important. The Kardashian sisters promote their having a healthy lifestyle. On their show, we see all three sisters integrate exercise into their schedule. While the average girl may not be able to afford a full time personal trainer, whether it be a jog around the savannah, exercising at home in front the tv or going to the gym regularly, working out is a great habit to form.

Have confidence! It takes a lot of confidence to put yourself out there! While you may not be on your way to starring on a reality show, follow the kardashian confidence by finding small but productive ways to promote yourself. Are you an entrepreneur? Don’t be afraid to walk with business cards to social events. Are you trying to get more recognition in your particular profession? Start a blog. Not all self-promotion has to be shameless and you never know what opportunities it may lead to.

The Bad

Marry for the right reasons. In 2011 Kim’s marriage to Kris Humphries divorce ended after 72 days- We should marry someone we love and respect. This is someone you are sharing your life with, not an accessory. Many people criticised the reality TV star for using something as sacred as marriage for publicity and money. Ladies respect yourself enough not to rush into marriage for the wrong reasons. Be it for money, security or out of loneliness, please for the sake of yourself and your spouse ensure that this is a decision you can live with.

Don’t get involved with a man who has substance abuse problems or other serious emotional issues. This one is very pertinent because its an issue some of us can personally relate to. Kourtney
Kardashian’s ‘child father’ Scott Disick has had alcohol abuse and anger issues since the beginning of their relationship. Notwithstanding, Kourtney proceeded to have not one, but two children with him. Some of us girls need to learn to think with our head and not just follow our emotions. We’ve seen clips of Scott drunk and misbehaving. Most recently, he was intoxicated at a runway show and tried to pull the designer off the stage. How embarrassing!

Stop Oversharing! I believe this is a problem that is growing into almost epidemic proportions due to social media. In the good old days if you wanted to spread your own business you would tell tanty from down de road and then she would tell miss elsie from in de shop. Now with facebook, twitter and tumblr at our fingertips we can spill our guts in 5 seconds. No one wants to know how you are feeling. Sure facebook asks it, but that doesn’t mean you have to write a facebook status longer than a first page news story answering the who what when why and how. Stop it. The kardashians overshare because they are being paid to. You are not. No one wants to know what brand tampon you use. Now go check your facebook page and see if you are guilty of oversharing.

The Ugly

Nudity and cameras are not the best pair. Although the sex tape Kim Kardashian made in 2007 with then boyfriend Ray J led to her fame, recording intimate activity is NEVER a good idea for us regular girls. It can and most likely will have a horrible effect on your reputation, lead to strained relations with family members, shame and make out scene. No one wants that. Not to mention the disastrous effect it will have on your professional life. You don’t want people in the office snickering when you pass as they gather by a computer to rate your ‘skills’.

Having a husband and a boyfriend at the same time is never a good idea. In 2012 Kim begun a relationship with rapper Kanye West which led to her pregnancy (while still being legally married to Humphries).This move was disappointing and may I add a bit classless. Ladies having a husband and a ‘child father’ is not a place you want to be in life!! Wait until the divorce, not separation is official before you embark on a new serious relationship it will save you a lot of embarrassment and pain.

Don’t become the man of the house. In the reality show, Kris was definitely ‘wearing the pants’. Ladies just because you may earn more than your significant other does not give you the right to boss up de man! Kris took Bruce for granted, did not show him enough attention because she focused on the career of her daughters. The result of this is that after 22 years of marriage the pair are now separated. This comes as hardly a surprise since Bruce Jenner had been living in another house for the last few months because he did not have freedom in his own home. Kris took all the power from Bruce, leaving him feeling like he lacked control in his own home. We can learn from this that men are our equals, don’t treat them as children, order them around or restrict their movements in their own home! Treat your spouse with respect and love.