Carnival Divaz in NY

Day 4

2011-12-15T16:32:00.004-05:00

What shows, movies, plays, books, or events influenced your life in the past year?

Since purchasing an ipad, I go through books like water. So decided to put myself on a budget. 1 book purchase a month. I have been downloading free books like crazy. The best free books that I have downloaded are "the Mating","The Keeping", and "The finding" by Nicky Charles. I love these books so much that I am reading them all over again. I usually read action books, but this romance novel that captured my heart.

I haven't really done any much in past year besides attend various carnivals.

Day 3

2011-12-14T15:20:00.002-05:00

What healthy activities / choices did you do in 2011? What are some you want to do in 2012?

I never practiced good eating habits which is the reason why I have a poor metabolism. When I do decide to eat, the options are always healthy and nutritious. The problem is that I hardly eat because I never have an appetite. I get so engrossed in what I am doing that I don't think about food or even using the rest room LOL. Whenever I start a project that I am passionate about, I tend to forget about everything else. For 2012 I want to continue eating healthy, but more frequently. I want to start exercising and build my metabolism and endurance up.

Day 2

2011-12-13T13:24:00.003-05:00

I indeed had a few good experiences for 2011.

* Trinidad Carnival was bess especially Tobago. ( My clients rock lol)

* My Daughter started elementary school

* I loved my labor day and NY kiddies and Miami Carnival Designs / section.

* I did design work for various Carnival bands in NY and already have
things in place for 2012.

* My nephew Aden was born.

* I'm proud to say that my friends stuck by me through the roughest time
in my life (I Love Ya'll)

* Even in your darkest hour, there will always be things that will make you happy.

Most of my happiest experiences for 2011 revolved around carnival.

Day 1

2011-12-13T13:05:00.003-05:00

Argghhhhhhh This is really hard for me, but I am determined to follow through. So here I go, I will label 2011 as "DISASTER". It was a horrific year for me, one that I truly want to forget. 2012 is definitely titled as "ADVANCEMENT". I am determined to grow and advance as a POWERFUL BLACK WOMAN. I have set goals that I know for a fact that I will accomplish way before 2012 is over. I am focused and determined on being a better person.

12 days of refelction

2011-12-13T12:40:00.003-05:00

I have never opened up and discuss my personal life on this blog. But I decided to change that and open up to my readers. This year have been really rough on me spiritually and mentally, So I am going to use my blog as a platform to rebuild myself to the person that I use to be. I know that many people are probably going through the same situations that I am (maybe worse), but sometimes listening to other peoples situation gives you encouragement to face your own problems.

With that being said I decided to join a friend of mines Ashanti and do The 12 days of Reflection Challenge.

Its time that I put some closure to this year and move on to something positive.

Miami Carnival 2011

2011-09-27T09:48:00.003-04:00

This is my section for Miami Carnival 2011. There are a few spots left in the midline option.

Trinid Carnival 2012 Services

2011-08-30T10:33:00.002-04:00

Trinidad Carnival 2012
Services

Registration begins on Friday, October 14, 2011. A minimum of $40us or 50% of the cost of your services will be taken at that time. Please send an email to www.carnivaldiva@gmail.com with your request of services prior to registration. Please include pictures or a detailed description on the items that you would like customized. Past customers get preference and a 5% discount on all services.

Carnival Divaz productions will be providing the following items for Trinidad Carnival 2012:

• Jeweled Tiara’s
• Elaborate Boots Decoration
• Decorated Bras with Matching boy shorts or frilled skirts
• Wire Bra Decoration
• Feathered Collars
• Jeweled Monokinis
• Matching accessories to suite your Monday or Tuesday costume

We are also selling jewelry, feathers, rhinestones, eye lashes, eye shadow, and glitter at a location in Woodbrook during carnival week.

* All payments will be received via PayPal or Western Union.

Deciding factors of choosing a costume for Trinidad Carnival 2012

2011-08-08T11:40:00.003-04:00

This carnival season, I am focused on finding a costume that I am truly in love with and nothing else. I am not worried about what any of my friends like or even which band that they decide on playing in because this year even though we all played in the same band, we hardly seen one another. I need to find a costume that I am 100% in love with and so far I have not found that costume. Maybe that’s the designer in me that will always see little things that can be tweaked. A few costumes that have launched, has the potential to be a fab costume but missed the mark and needs a couple adjustments. So far only 1 costume has made my heart skip a beat and it have not been released yet. The likelihood of me getting in that section for carnival 2k12? Hmmmmmm lol. We shall see as what happens. Right after carnival, YUMA asked what color costume would I like to wear for carnival 2012. I answered and it seems that YUMA answered. Almost every band that launched so far has used my color of choice but I DON’T LIKE any of them. So here are my deciding factors for choosing a costume.

Costume Design

Jewel Panty- This is a must in any costume that I choose. As a person with a small waist and large hips, a jewel panty worked perfectly for me. No belt spinning around like a hoola hoop. Everything stayed where it needed to be the entire day.

Wire Bra- This is another must for me. As a person that has B cup breast I prefer wire bras over regular bras. I have not found a regular that flatters me besides the u-plunge bra. And majority of the bands do not use that type of bra because the colors are limited. A regular bra gives me too much coverage or the padded ones are so padded that my nipples show. 2k12 will be my 5th year in a row playing in a wire bra.

Color- I want to play in a color that I have never played in before. I realized last year that I play in almost the same set of colors year in, year out. I want to try something new. So red, green, beige, and blue are out for me.

Band Competition

For the first time ever this will be a deciding factor for me depending on whether or not I do an Individual. This year in YUMA I did get my 5 minutes of fame before my section. I was extremely grateful for that. If I choose to purchase a large costume I would like my 5 minutes of fame. LOL. I realized the “FUN” bands do not cater to the individuals in the band. When I played an Individual in Legacy, my section leaders had dancers bring me out. I had someone offer me drinks, food, and snacks the entire length of the parade. And Legacy does pass EVERY judging point. I paid far less than what I paid for my individual costume in Tribe and received no special treatment. I don’t mind if I have to pay extra for a runner, but it would be nice.

Costume Manufacturers

Who makes my costume is a HUGE concern of mines. Quality means everything for me and I want a beautiful costume that will look exactly like the prototype and hold up all day. I have experienced both good and bad costumes. Costume malfunctions can ruin my entire carnival experience.

Hopefully I have a pleasurable experience for carnival 2012.

Fast Forward from Trinidad Carnival until now.

2011-06-06T09:24:00.005-04:00

My next couple of Blog entries will be my experiences from my Trinidad Carnival until now.
Its band launch season in NY and I am ready to give you full commentary on what’s going on with New York Labor Day bands. Here’s a few pics of various moments from March until now.

All pics are of Carnival Divaz or items made Carnival Divaz Productions.

Costume Customizing

2010-12-13T15:13:00.002-05:00

How much more different should a person be able to alter their costume once they have paid and received their costume?

A friend and I ended up in a debate today over altering a costume. As a designer I never mind people altering a costume just a tad because it made them stand out and be unique, but I am absolutely against people making their own costume. Just because of the initial design and materials used, I do not want someone’s costume in my section to look completely different from the rest. It might end up looking like a bootleg version to the section or a bad reflection on you as a designer. This year numerous people have been placing orders to customize or create additional items for their costume. How drastic should a person be allowed to go? Is it disrespectful to the band/ designer if a person alters their costume? My friend stated that minor adjustments are cool, but adding large backpacks or collars is disrespectful to the designer and will cause a big issue with the band. What if the band gave you permission to customize you r costume, how far should a person be allowed to go? Should you obtain permission from the designer/ band? Some people believe that once you paid for a costume its free reign to do whatever they want to it, the band already received their money.

What’s your take on this issue?

* Picture from www.haitrim.com

Ramajay Mas - Aphrodite / Venus Shoe Post

2010-08-19T11:09:00.006-04:00

I have been neglecting my poor blog, but I am back now and ready to blog from now until Trinidad carnival 2k11. Everyone have been asking about the footwear post that I did last year for every section in Ramajay. I apologize for its late appearance, but here goes the first section (Mines of Course LOL) Aphrodite.

Please visit www.ramajaymas.com to see the rest of the sections.

All shoes are from www.shoeocean.com.

Are you ready to Ramajay?

2010-05-04T20:20:00.002-04:00

Its almost a month away from Ramajay's Band Launch. Are you ready to be transformed into a goddess? We stepped it up a notch, so be prepared.

RAMAJAY Mas
"Premier All-Inclusive Mas Band"

OFFICIAL BAND LAUNCH

for

LABOR DAY 2010 PRESENTATION: "LA FEMME: Reveal the mystery of woman..."

6pm - 12am
Live models displaying costumes

Music by: GB God Bless, Spoil Brattz, Natural Freaks, Infamous Sounds
Hosted by: Mr. Groove

Update

2009-12-22T10:45:00.002-05:00

I have been neglecting my blog ever since labor Day. I will post pictures from Kiddies Carnival, Labor Day, and my section with Natural Freaks for Miami Carnival soon.

I already started to complete my orders for Monday wear for Trinidad Carnival, which includes, wire bras, boots, arm pieces, corsets, boy shorts, gloves, etc....... Hopefully I will get a chance to start my own preparations. I have a tendency to leave myself undone.

Its officially Chrisnival and I am enjoying every minute of it.

Kids Footwear

2009-08-14T15:27:00.004-04:00

Everyone that knows me knows that I absolutely adore Kiddies carnival. I always go over budget when it involves Kiddies Mas.

This year my section is called Skittles (Taste the Rainbow) with Ramajay Mas Band. Every year I advise parents to purchase Converse sneakers or boots and decorate them. Last year, I discovered Lelli Kelly shoes and fell in love. This is my favorite shoe company for kids when it comes to mas. You have to search to find a good deal on the footwear because they can run you anywhere from $30 to 100. They are expensive but well worth it.

Ramajay Mas Footwear Part 3 of 3

2009-08-14T14:41:00.005-04:00

Brazilian Sky

Flight of the Jaguar

Festive Parrot

Labor Day is almost here so visit www.ramajaymas.com and register in the costume of your choice.

Visit www.shoeocean.com or www.amiclubwear to purchase these boots.

Ramajay Mas Footwear Part 2 of 3

2009-07-30T09:33:00.007-04:00

D' AMAZONS

CLEARWING BUTTERFLY

SOLAR'ESS

RUBY GLOW

You can find these boots at www.urbanog.com and www.shoeocean.com

*Ruby Glow and Solar'ess frontline is sold out, but you can cheack out the other sections from Ramajay at www.ramajaymas.com.

Ramajay Mas Footwear Part 1

2009-07-17T17:01:00.011-04:00

Here are a few footwear suggestions for Ramajay Masqueraders 2009

RAIN

BRAZILIAN ORCHID

TRIBE OF JEWELLED BEAUTIES

YASUNI PARROT

GREEN JASPER

GO TO WWW.RAMAJAYMAS.COM TO VIEW THE COSTUMES

SHOES COURTESY OF WWW.URBANOG.COM
WWW.AMICLUBWEAR.COM
WWW.SHOEOCEAN.COM

Exotica Pics

2009-06-19T13:09:00.006-04:00

I was finally able to get clear pictures of Exotica Mas Band which launched last Friday. As I said before, this band does not skimp on beads, stones or feathers. I personally think that some of the colors are repetitive, which confused me in the beginning. Now that someone on another website (**Vincy –Soca-Diva**), explained the different sections I have a better understanding of some of the costumes and what they are depicting. Some of the costumes would have looked better without the gloves or the feathers on the arm or leg pieces. Sometimes less is more.

Overall, there are some very intricate and creative designs in this band, some which may have never been seen before (like actual cards used on a costume).There’s always a costume out there for someone; what I might not like someone else might love. Congrats to this new band. I wish them the best of luck!

My fav out of the bunch is still Taj Mahal ( I loved those foot pieces in Kiskadee and I love them in this costume also.)

Deck of Cards

Bride

Sin City

Showgirls

Pics courtesy of http://www.thisiscarib.com/

With or without?

2009-06-17T14:49:00.009-04:00

Anyone that knows me, knows that I always try to satisfy all of my masqueraders. Which can sometimes become an impossible task. This can be a good or bad thing, but I can't change who I am. I do this because I love and respect my culture, this is my passion. It is not solely based on money, so I will always cater to my customers.

With that said, I was told that some preferred the costume without the cape. What's your take?

NY Update

2009-06-15T14:41:00.006-04:00

NY Bands are launching like crazy, with GEM PRODUCTIONS first out of the gate right after Trinidad carnival. First impression of this band was not good, but after a couple of months and a few revamps, things are looking okay for them. Wasn't "Tiger Eye” Jason Benn's section? So why am I seeing flyer's promoting him having a section in Sesame Flyers ? Hmmmmmmmm.

Anyways, next out of the gate was NY newest all- inclusive band RAMAJAY which lifted the bar on NY mas. As most of the sections were designed and produced by NY costume designers, I am proud to be apart of this band. We are bringing back mas to Eastern Parkway. People complained time and time again about NY mas not being up to par, well that has changed.

Following behind was another new band EXOTICA, this band has already caused quite a stir when they recently displayed their costumes on a morning news show. I guess even bad publicity is still good when people know the name of your band, and is interested in seeing what you have to offer. This band does not skimp of beads and feathers; I will reserve my comment until I see the costume up close or professional pics.

This weekend we have 3 bands launching and I will try to make it to all three. On Saturday KARMA (another new band) will launch their presentation "Celebrations", along with my company's band 1199 and they present "Meso Americans". (Yes, my employer has their own Carnival Band). This Sunday HAWKS INTERNATIONAL will present “Neptune Cries", I designed a couple of pieces in this band.

Savage Unleashed

2009-06-11T09:37:00.004-04:00

Here are a few pictures of the newest section in Ramajay "Savage".

After seeing the feather arm pieces in Caged Canary and ANTM (America's Next Top Model) Finale this year, I decided that I wanted to design a costume with feathered arm pieces. So far a lot of people loves the illusion of wearing a large costume and still feel free to get on wassy on the road for carnival.

D' Amazons

2009-06-02T09:32:00.005-04:00

Here's a few pics of my section D' Amazons from Ramajay's Band Launch on Sunday.

I also Designed this costume for Team GB along with Harry Designs. This is a Teen only section.

*To view photos of all 11 sections from band launch please go to www.IVybez.com

Pictures courtesy of www.IVybez.com

It's Official

2009-04-29T09:28:00.003-04:00

I would like to notify all of my masqueraders that Carnival Divaz will be bringing a section with Ramajay for Labor Day 2009. Please read their press release and Band Launch Info. See you there .....................................

RAMAJAY Mas Press Release

“Dare to be different…” New York City’s largest Caribbean festival—The West Indian Day American Carnival Parade—welcomes a new face to the color and beauty of mas bands which brings this world-renowned parade to life. Labor Day 2009, RAMAJAY Mas will make their debut to the world as an ultra all-inclusive premier band.
RAMAJAY Mas’ Creative Design Team intends to pull inspiration and ideas from their many years of experience within the fashion and mas industry to bring forth innovative, breathtaking and ultra-sexy costume designs to the their masqueraders and the parade’s millions of spectators. They intend to bring the fantasy of M-A-S (Make A Statement) to Eastern Parkway while still paying homage to the splendor of our Caribbean culture. This team—collectively known as TEAM G.B. (GB God Bless Productions, D’Original Divas, Divas de Carnaval & Massive International) consists of individuals who both know the craft of mas/costume designs, fashion and entertainment. Their background includes Fashion Institute of Technology (NYC) graduates, winners of WIADCA’s coveted King of the Band competition and band/section leaders from well-known & respected NY Mas Bands such as Borokeetes, Rango Mas and Hawks International. Together these talented individuals equal over 30+ years of mas design experience.
RAMAJAY Mas’ vision extends to being more than just a pretty mas band but providing to their customers an EXPERIENCE. Born out of the void of masqueraders not able to have a totally ultra-inclusive experience on the road, RAMAJAY Mas felt it was time to fill this emptiness. They want to give NY masqueraders the same vibe and ultimate mas experience that is already felt by their mas counterparts in Trinidad and Tobago, Canada and other Caribbean islands. Outstanding Customer Service will be a key factor to the premier experience presented to RAMAJAY Mas masqueraders. Along with great customer service RAMAJAY Mas will also extend all the popular amenities of an all-inclusive band such as tasty lunch & snacks, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, roaming photographers and the best DJs/Soca artists providing incredible vibes in the ‘All-inclusive Road Party”.
We welcome you to take part in this EXPERIENCE and dare to be different as we present to NY & rest of the world for Labor Day 2009—RAMAJAY MAS.

For more info: www.ramajaymas.com
“We believe the essence of mas is ones ability to experiment and indulgence in the freedom of creativity…”

Plus Size Dilemma

2009-04-13T16:47:00.002-04:00

As a NYC based costume designer, I have been hit with a dilemma regarding costumes for plus sized women. This year I designed a costume for plus sized women (Labeled Option C). I felt that it was a cost effective way to create a beautiful costume catered to plus sized women. My friends and associates have mixed views about my decision to do this. Many of them think that I will make plus sized women feel alienated because they cannot register in the regular costume (Option A & B), but I feel that this would have the opposite effect. In NY, Mas bands do not show masqueraders how the costumes would look in sizes other than a small or medium, leaving plus sized women to wonder if there are 12 strands of beads on the mannequin (Which are on a small or medium sized costume rather than the 24 strands suited for a 2xl costume). Unfortunately, depending on the designer or section leader, that plus sized person may receive the same 12 beads spaced out on their costume or receive another type of bead to accommodate the larger sized costume. This makes a lot of women upset and makes them complain that they didn’t receive what was advertised when in fact they did. The costume advertised 12 strands of beads and that is what they received. Last year, it cost me double to produce the larger sized bras and waist bands for the larger women. I even purchased special shorts for them to wear instead of the regular boy shorts. Most of them purchased bustiers in which I decorated with way more trimmings than I used on the prototype. This year I don’t want to do that because I ended up losing on the plus sized costumes. Most New Yorkers are not as body conscious as the masqueraders in Trinidad; they do not go to the gym just to fit into their labor Day costume because the parade is only for a few hours. Plus sized woman tend to be plentiful in a section, which leaves me with a dilemma.

I would like to hear your views on this topic.

Better Late than Never

2009-03-20T14:39:00.007-04:00

I finally found the pics from my 2007 section "Taino", the band's theme was A Cibola's Quest. This was Carnival Divaz first year producing an entire section.

More pics to follow.

And the Newbie Band List Grows

2009-03-17T09:44:00.006-04:00

So far for Carnival 2009 we have had new bands like Spice, Kaotic and Elements. For NY Labor Day Carnival Parade 2009, we have Karma, Gem promotions, Ramajay, and Exotica.
Gem Promotions was the first band to launch on March 7th. Due to daylight savings time and another event that I planned to attend I missed this one. I must admit that it takes a brave soul to launch their band right after Trini carnival. After looking at pictures on Facebook, I will say that I think that was a bad idea. We just took off our beautiful costumes from Trini that were well-made, had plenty of feathers, and were original in design. Gems costumes are a bit dated and there’s nothing innovative or new with this band, even by New York standards. They have a lot of time to revamp and do the launch all over again. I think they would’ve gotten a better response if they had launched in the summer when the Trini Carnival Tabanca wears off and people are willing to wear a costume that is not up to Trinidad standards but still looks nice and doesn’t fall apart.
I hope everyone is well prepared for the positives and the negatives that come with mas all over the world. It’s not an easy task to bring a truck on the road for Labor Day Parade as the city nor its residents support carnival as much as they should. I am eager to see who will rise to the occasion and who will fall. I am contracted by one of these bands and I must say that so far they are on the right track. Carnival in New York has lost its flair so let’s hope that these new bands do big things and bring NY Carnival back to where it used to be.

My Carnival Review

2009-03-03T13:47:00.000-05:00

For carnival 2009, after hearing enough criticisms and hearing rumors that my costume of choice would’ve been in the back of the band (which later was confirmed to be true), I purchased 2 costumes. One that I truly adored (love option B) and one that I liked but wasn’t totally in love with (dream frontline).

Costume collection

Now from being on both sides of the fence as far as band vs. masquerader is concerned, both parties are to accept some sort of responsibility. I arrived of Friday to pick up my costume because it was my friends pick up day so we decided to pick everything on Friday instead of going back and forth. The line was extremely long and it was hot as hell. I must admit despite a little commotion that went on, the masqueraders seemed to be patient and was not bothered by the wait. As many of us expected this to occur, hey its carnival Friday if there wasn’t a long line I would’ve been worried. The young ladies were very helpful to me, and one even remembers me from the years prior. The process to pick up my costume wasn’t as bad as I expected from previous years. I am use to being in a chaotic mas camp, and IP was not that bad on Friday. We had to come back on Saturday to pick up my friend headpiece (she played in ray of light. My costumes looked beautiful and I was so excited to take them home and try them on. When I got home the first thing that I did was try one the wire bra as it seemed complicated and too big. That when I realized that my bra and necklace was broken and could not be repaired, I then tried on my Dream frontline costume to only realize that my belt was also broken and couldn’t be repaired because it was metal and the only way it could’ve been repaired is if it was soldered back together. I know that for a fact because I went to school to make jewelry. By then my mood started to change about by costume choices. When I arrived at the camp on Saturday, things went a lot smother that Friday. I was in and out in a matter of minutes, that’s when I was told that I have to come back on Sunday to get my defective items switched. I didn’t get upset or anything because I wasn’t hyped about my costumes anymore. Sunday came and they tried their best to accommodate me, I received a larger bra and they attempted to fix my belt and necklace. I went to Samaroos and purchased items to fix my costume.

Carnival Monday

After fixing my Love Option B costume, I was excited as all hell. I truly loved this costume and no one could’ve killed my joy for this costume. I did my makeup and looked absolutely stunning. I was getting compliments from everyone. You could’ve sworn that it was Carnival Tuesday for me because I was all dolled up (minus my headpiece). When I met the band, there was some people snickering and staring at me for having on my costume on Monday. A group of girls that was in friends section actually had the nerve to call me nasty. I didn’t care because I was having a great time, and everyone was taking picture of me. This reminded me of the time that I played an individual in Legacy, we was required to wear our full costume both days. My friend asked to take my camera to take pictures of me because I looked great and was carrying on. I handed her my camera and went back having a blast. A few blocks down, I seen a friend of mines and wanted to take a picture of him, when I went to retrieve my camera I realized that it was not on her wrist anymore. In fact she lost my camera. Well that killed my mood for the rest of the day. To know that I wouldn’t have pictures of me in my favorite costume killed my joy. I tried on numerous occasions to put a smile on my face but I couldn’t. Carnival Monday was a blast in the beginning but ended on a sour note for me. Thanks to all of my friends that took plenty pics, but it didn’t help.

Carnival Tuesday

After loosing my camera and not loving my costume, I was not in a rush to get dressed. It was so bad that I watched Harts, Spice, and tribe crossed the stage on TV. I finally got of bed and got ready. I wasn’t in the same mood I was on Monday, but I tried to make the best of it. I looked great in the first half of the carnival, but when I rain stared to pour is when I had the best time. I love water to the rain didn’t bother me one bit and because I was not in love with my costume I didn’t mind getting it ruined. I know it sounds crazy because I paid my money for this costume, but I don’t know what came over me. I stayed with the last truck for majority of the day because I couldn’t stand being in the crowd and no one stayed in their sections even when security tried their best.

Overall

I had a good time on the road with IP especially on Monday. But, I decided that I will not be playing with IP next year as it’s a fun band I am looking for a greater experience. I am looking into Evolution and my friends played in that band and had a blast, and my favorite designer (Sandra H.) designed a section in evolution also. I will be playing an individual and might produce my own section instead of playing in someone else’s only to be disappointed. Also the 2 costumes were definitely worth it even though they snagged and tore up everyone’s costume that I came in contact with, which was hard since the band was so large.

Monday Bras

2009-02-11T01:23:00.003-05:00

Here's a few pics of Monday bras for Tribe's Green Honey Creeper and Hummingbird.

Miss New York Panama Pageant Pics

2009-02-04T11:24:00.003-05:00

decisions, Decisions

2009-02-02T15:10:00.001-05:00

This is the first time that I am not hyped about a carnival. Usually my suitcases would’ve already been packed and all of my carnival accessories would have been purchased. This year I have nothing prepared. I have not purchased nor decorated my boots for carnival Monday or Tuesday. I don’t even like my Tuesday costume anymore, as it was not my choice of costume in the first place.
I am never person to follow the hype machine, which is why I never felt the need to play mas in tribe; but I fell into the trap this year. I fell in love with IP Love option B costume and was probably was the first person to register in the section abroad because when the website was not working I called an ordered my costume by phone. All of my friends hate my costume and registered in other sections. At first it did not bother me, but after hearing reviews constantly by numerous people that have seen the costume up close. I started to get worried, and opted to purchase another costume just in case (Dream Frontline). When I heard that Love was last in the line up, I was extremely happy that I chose to register in another section. But now that carnival is a few weeks away, I want to switch my Tuesday costume to Angel Falls frontline. I already put in a special request and am waiting to get a response. Hopefully the gods hear my call and grant me my costume switch. And maybe then I will be geared up for carnival.

Miss New York Panama Pageant Info

2009-01-22T11:11:00.001-05:00

In Production - Pageant

2009-01-22T10:08:00.009-05:00

As I have stated before, I am currently re-creating my 2008 costume for the Miss New York Panama Pageant this weekend. I have attached a few photos of the costume in Production. I will be up loading the finshed product this weekend. Let me know what you like and dislike.

Status Update

2009-01-13T11:03:00.002-05:00

I have been busy making a costume for a client that's the the Miss New York Panama Pageant. It is taking a lot out of me because Pageant costume are more intricate that a carnival costume. But I am confident in myself that I will be able to pull this off. Hey, If i can design and create a front line costume in a day, then I can definitely do this. Also, I have been request for Monday wear, so far I have 6 people requesting costumes for carnival Monday. I should have prepared myself knowing how Brooklyn people is, but hey its cool.

As for my carnival preparations, I ordered more makeup this week because I have request to do makeup on Monday as i refuse to do any one's makeup besides whose staying in the house me on carnival Tuesday. I still haven't found my Tuesday boots yet not, so i have a long way to go .

I will start posting my work in progress soon.

Bags By Mimi

2008-12-24T12:47:00.005-05:00

So I purchased two wonderful bags from Mimi and I also won a bag. I absolutely love both of my bags and have decided to order one for my best friend for Chrisnival. We decided that this year our gifts have to pertain to carnival so I am getting a Ray of Light bag by Mimi and making her Monday wear and accessories.

*Mimi, I am contemplating getting my little diva a matching love bag. LOL. (She loves bags)

To view more bags by Mimi please go to http://www.freewebs.com/bbmf/

It's Better Late than Never - Labor Day 2008

2008-12-23T13:08:00.002-05:00

I have been cursed out enough times about me not posting on my blog that I have included it in my New Year's resolution. I am going to fill everyone in on what has been going on from August till now with Carnival Divaz Productions.

This labor Day Carnival Divaz had a section with Hawks Intl. named "Mirage". Originally it was only suppose to be 10 front line costumes but as time went by, it became a full section. We also ended up having 2 kids sections, despite all of the chaos (none of which was Hawks Intl. fault) the outcome was beautiful. Maybe it was because I worked behind the scenes with Hawks and as a section leader, I knew how difficult of a task this was. will admit it was well worth it. I had the best time ever on the road with Hawks. Now I see why people always comes back year after year despite any mishaps with their costume. ( Now I understand the hype with Tribe.) I haven't decided if i will bring a section next year or just do designing, but one thing is for sure I want another experience like that every year.

My Little Diva

2008-12-23T11:27:00.002-05:00

After a long debate with family, my little Diva will be playing in Love by Rosalind Gabriel. It was obvious that baby had to match mommy especially since she is playing on monday with Grandma. I am so excited to take pics in our matching costumes on monday. Yes, I know its cheesy but I dont care.

This experience with her will be memorable, as its her first time playing mas in Trinidad.

Tuesday Undecided

2008-12-23T11:21:00.003-05:00

I have not began shopping for anything that pertains to my tuesday costume. I had decided to wear my dream frontline costume on tuesday only because of the hype and my friends will be in this section. I couldnt part away with my monday as you can see.

I love the fact that my section designer includes accessories with the costume so i dont have to worry. I am thinking about creating my own backpack or modifying the one that is included with the costume to add more of an impact. I need to find a pair of lavender colored boots, as I dont wish to wear purple.

My monday wear

2008-12-23T11:14:00.001-05:00

I have decided on these boots for my love costume option B minus the backpack for Carnival monday. I have deicided not to decorate the boots since I will be wearing it pn carnival monday. I think by having on a full costume is enough. I am still undecided about wearing the headpiece, I think that it would be over kill. Let me know what you think

Rumor Has It

2008-08-01T14:40:00.002-04:00

One the NY bands that is known for always having beautiful costumes on the Parkway, had a clash of the sections leaders inside of their mas camp. Thank goodness no costumes were destroyed during the process, but clothes were ripped apart. Ladies, we know that the art of costume selling within a bad can be competitive, but it should never get physical. Every costume has their own people that wear it and think its the best thing on earth, so lets try and be civil and continue to create fabulous costumes and look glam.

Love Gone Wrong

2008-08-01T11:01:00.000-04:00

When my partner and I decided to stop producing sections and costumes in other peoples band s and start our own, I would have never though in a million years that I would have to go through so much drama and confusion. The theme of my children's band this year is "Love Gone Wrong". No , I did not come up with this idea myself. It was originally suppose to be a spin off from d'Krewe's theme for Trinidad Carnival "Love Is". Because of the hiccups with the costume distrubtion and obtain materials in time for carnival, some sections in D'Krewe was going to sell their left overs to South Central Boys Mas Band. I personally dont know what happened to this business venture, but it is obvious that it definitely didnt happen since Conquest has a section in Sesame Flyers.

My partner and I have broken away from South Central Boyz but decided to keep the theme because a lot of research and time went into designing these costumes. A lot of people had negative things to say in regards to such an adult theme. but my answer to them is that this is a situatin that kids go through every day. A lot of parents anre getting divorced, theirs constant domestic abuse in the home and various other situations that children face on a day to day basis. I think that these topics will raise awareness to certain emotions and situations that people face. Maybe we need to stop Babying our youth and educate them on certain situations.

Which one do you prefer?
	With the cape.
	Without the cape.
	Optional.
	Depends on the person.

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Should I.....?
	A.Design a regular costume and give everyone the same amount of trimmings
	B.Design a regular costume and charge extra for plus sized women
	C.Design Plus sized woman their own version to the costume.

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