SOO...I'm already looking for boots to play mas in...for both Miami and Trinidad. After browsing Sweet 7 this morning...I started my annual search for my carnival boots, especially since I intend to break them in good and proper before I have to use them.

Over the years I've found a couple places that I go back to to check for boots. I play mas in Heels..In FLORIDA!! and for Trinidad this year, the plan is for a wedge heel - My feet ache when I wear flats.

So I figured I'd share them here:

There's Shoe Ocean
Price Range $36.00 to as Low as $10.00


Their boots run the gamut of colors and Heel styles, and the prices are so good that you can buy 3 at time and not have the guilt trip after! They also offer free shipping on orders over $100.00. What I like about them is that I can put in my shoe size, and like a personal shopper, bring up all the shoes available in your size.

I looked at these today :
Am I giving Hints???

I especially like the Camel one...because you can dress it to suit whatever youre wearing with a little paint and feathers and ..STUFF!! The most expensive of these is $30.00

Registration Sunday August 2nd


:)

Thanks Models! and our sexy photographer :) and our host location!! Thank you!!!

-Disclaimer-

Like I probably mentioned before, I'm Creative Director of Vibrationzz Mas Band here in Florida, and like all the other bands gearing up for Miami Carnival, our reveal is ....phew ..almost here. :). As always with Mas, some things step out of your control and you deal with it as best as you can...but I believe I can SAFELY say....that our reveal will be this weekend. :)

However, thats not to stop me from sharing the pictures of the ONLY outside section that has been contracted to produce with Vibrationzz.

For Newbies, an Outside section means, that a seperate group or person will pay the Mas band a fee for each masquerader. They will in turn design, produce and market the section. For all other intents and purposes, the section is a part of the band and is treated as such.

Meet:

Flamingo Casino

A Section In Vibrationzz Mas 2009 Miami Carnival Presentation

of "Vegas Nights"

Costumes are $160.00 and there are multiple options for the body pieces:

i.e: One piece/Boy shorts etc.

Be sure to check her out!!!!!

Congrats Rons.

The following things have happened.

We had the launch of one of the new, well kinda new bands in Florida. Party People. Party People was one of the mas originators of the Miami Carnival. After a few years though the membership and e-board kind of merged into other bands, but with the 25 th anniversary of carnival and the merging of the carnivals this year they have re-emerged. You can see pics from their launch party and view their website here. You can also see pics of the launch at Islandbox.com


Another Section Euphoria in Wassi Ones Mas Band launched their presentation for carnival 2009. You can see their pics here.

There also was an event called the launch of One Carnival that was not in fact the official launch of the Miami-Broward One Carnival event, but some of the participating bands presented. I was unable to attend this event but will soon have a review from a person who did attend.

What is also of note is that I attended one of the Miami-Broward One Carnival Committee meetings where all the bands registered to parade were to attend.

When I tell allyuh Carnival is Bacchanal ...whether is Trinidad, Miami Or Timbuktu....Carnival is bacchanal. Things of note however is that all bands have to sign a contract stating that they understand the rules and regulations of the parade.

This was not an easy task, and I still feel like we left the meeting with so many things unresolved. I still feel too that bands are holding on to the negative feelings associated with the split of the carnivals in the first place. Instead of being combative, the bands should try to make this merged experience the best that it can be. I wish we could all let go of past experiences and face this new experience with an open mind.

Whats new. No T-shirt bands...hmmmmm. Bands will be penalized on points for starting late. hmmmmm. How can you force your masqueraders to be on time when they just left a party the night before? There are still soo many things to sort out. I hope the next meeting is more productive.

Things to look forward to


Generationx's Band Launch that I will be attending..

Stay tuned!!

Cliv Out!
-Disclaimer-

It's Fantastik
7 Days NINE Events.



International Flag Night!!

Thanks Mr. Wow
-Disclaimer-

Historically Miami Carnival committee has limited the amount of T-Shirt Bands in their carnival. I kind of understand their reasoning in that it detracts from the creativity and display that is associated with a true Carnival.

Outside of Natural Freaks in the parade, most bands have to adhere to the policy of a costume: In this case A Headpiece, wristbands, a neck piece and decorated belt.....to qualify as a costume. Bands that were adorned in a T-shirt could not possibly be judged in the same category as other bands who made the effort of creating a FULL costume, and they were judged as such.

Natural Freaks I BELIEVE were considered a MUD band - and a mud band is as inherent to carnival as the costumed bands. So they were afforded that distinction. But even they had to conform and have at least ONE costumed section in their presentation.

At many a MCI meeting arguments would break out between costumed bands as to why Natural Freaks was being allowed the PLEASURE of being the last band on the road. The reasoning was - They're a mud band. You don't want them dirtying up the pretty mas.

[What they didn't say is that the stragglers love this band....and that the crowd following them is so large that crowd control demands that they are last. I'm speaking for myself as a veteran mas player in Miami. After I cross the stage in my pretty costume..BEST BELIEVE I running back to catch Natural Freaks for a dutty jump up]

Broward Carnival though has been less stringent in the past about what defines a costume band. Tshirt and Camo bands abounded, but this too was an outlet for those who couldn't or wouldn't spend the higher cost of Pretty Mas. I'm intrigued to find out what the middle ground of this situation will be. Meetings re scheduled soon for the band leaders and the registered bands and hopefully this will be addressed then. I'll make sure to give you the details of the outcome.

I hope the decision is one that will keep all the varied types of masqueraders happy and participating.

-Disclaimer-

I feel so BLESSED today. I wanted to thank two bloggers that i stalk on a regular basis for giving me a referral on their own popular blogs.

First I have to thank Saucy of Trinidadcarnivaldiary as referring me as her go to for info on Miami Carnival. PRESSHA now I cant ignore my blog and watch HGTV instead..I have to be worthy of the honor. Thank you Saucy!

And secondly I have to thank www.therealchattypatty.com for her blessings too. I read This blog daily right after I get my mediatakeout fix in the mornings..lol. I run to her blog for some daily insight. Like I told Patty, you never know where you are gonna find your motivation and inspiration for the day , and her blog has been that for me on many an occasion.

Thank you ladies...Keep writing...cause I'm reading :)

-Disclaimer-

Ok...so you decide you coming for Carnival in Florida. Smart move.

So...where are you gonna stay? With your aunty that live there but that gonna lock you out when she realize day break reach and you ain't home yet?

Or with your friend from college who boyfriend act like he is a real sadist...and don't want people in he space?

Or your uncle who wake you up at 7am when you JUST reach home to feed you oatmeal for breakfast? Or how about if you decide you gonna "VISIT" a friend but you know you cant bring them home.

For some of you that don't have a cool ass relative ..lol...like me... who don't care that six people on the floor in blankets....as long as they driving themselves and you ain't have to pay for for them to get in the fetes...I suggest Extended stay Hotels. They have both suites and studios.

Now mind you , if you wanna turn the carnival weekend into a mini spa get away relax fest.....feel free to check out the Loews, Doubletree, the Delano, go right ahead.

But if you balling on a budget, and you really using to the room to S^&t, shower and shave....and you just wanna warm up some coffee in the morning and then hit the road...i suggest the Extended Stay Hotels.

And I'm not speaking generally, Ive stayed in them myself. Just try not to find one close to TRAIN TRACKS!! cause ahm...yeah...well.

BUT I digress, these places are clean, modern and fare way better than the motel. With double occupancy its even better....and all the money you save you can then put into a rental car. Most of them actually do packages with Hertz and you can get a discounted rate on your rental with a package deal.

All suites come with a fully-equipped kitchen, appliances and linens, Unlimited local phone use, a computer data port and personalized voice mail, Housekeeping and guest laundry facilities,Select properties offer exercise centers and pools.Wi-Fi high speed Internet access available in every room - chain wide!!

In ft Lauderdale from Friday to Friday, October 9th to the 16th [cause i checked] rooms start at 39.99 f0r double occupancy. In Miami, rooms start at 64.99 for double occupancy a night. Of course in Miami rates are higher...but it's more central. If you're planning to rent a car, it doesn't matter much because once on the turnpike everything is 15 minutes away!

Next Thing. Flying into Ft Lauderdale is always Cheaper! So Is staying there. Fares on everything is cheaper..and like I said the drive is 15 minutes to everywhere. I've also noted that the hotels seems to be more clean and well maintained.

So book early and Ball on a budget!