The Iridescent Hummingbird: Our Favorite Picks: Caribbean Rescue

"Sunset Allure"
(Fine Art Print & Posters)
By Artist Linda M. Lee

When it begins to feel like old man winter has over stayed his welcome, does your mind begin to daydream of warmer places? Do you imagine sugary white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and coconut trees swaying in the gentle breeze? Do you long for sweet warm tropical air hugging your body while the bright beautiful sunshine kisses your soul? I do. Oh, how I dearly do.

Unfortunately, budgets and busy schedules seldom allow most of us to escape the wrath of winter's cold. The occasional days of near-spring temperatures seem like a tease when the temps dip back down to the bottom of the thermometer. Frustrated? Moi aussi, mon ami. Moi aussi.

AUGH. How many days left until spring? No, real spring. You know -- the kind where you know you can leave the house without a jacket. The kind where taking a deep breath fills your nose with the lovely fragrance of sweet spring flowers. The kind that energizes you into immediately planning the next outdoor activity. The kind that brings back songbirds during the day and crickets at night. *sigh* Yeah, that kind.

For most of us, there's still a long ways to go. So now what? What do we do until then? Daydreaming can only take you so far. Well, as the saying goes "If the mountain will not come to Mohammed, Mohammed will go to the mountain." Why not bring a bit of the Caribbean to you? Right here. Right now.

Sounds of the tropics at the touch of a button

(Tropical Waves of Paradise)

By Renewing Vibrations

Soothing, Tranquil Bath
Let the sounds sweep you away. Whip up your favorite tropical drink (piña colada, Bahama mama, yellow bird, etc. Go to The Bahamas Islands for a list of simple recipes.) Draw a warm luxurious bath and light tropical or ocean scented candles. Play tropical music or sounds of the beach. Turn off the lights. Step into your bath. Sip your delicious drink. Close your eyes and enjoy the moment of escape. Smile.

Dishes with an airy tropical feel
(Square, Bamboo Leaf)
By Corelle

Food For More Than Just Thought
Let your taste buds transport you to another place. Find authentic Caribbean recipes and gather the ingredients to create a little feast. Caribbean Pot offers a collection of various Caribbean recipes. El Boricua is a "bilingual, cultural publication for Puerto Ricans" and offers delightful tidbits of information and mouthwatering recipes. Prepare appetizers, main courses, desserts, and drinks.

An album with a mix of romance, heat, and flare

(Música + Alma + Sexo)

By Ricky Martin

Fiesta the Caribbean Way
Who doesn't love a good party? Use the winter blahs as a good reason to throw a tropical themed party. Make it a pot luck and ask your guests to each bring a Caribbean dish. Create invitations that look like plane tickets or boarding passes. In your main party room, cover a wall with a tropical photo mural. Pour a bit of sand (available at your hardware store) into short glasses and add a votive candle in each glass. Scatter pretty seashells on tables. Use raffia instead of streamers. Give away small bottles of Bacardi, sunglasses, shell necklaces, little containers of lotions, lipglosses, or floral hair clips as party favors. Hot dance music is a must! Everyone must dance and have a good time.

Artisan Caribbean inspired Swarovski & glass bracelet

(Caribbean Waters Collection's Bracelet Design No. One)

By Artist Linda M. Lee

Wear It, Work It, Own It
Try adding a bit of Caribbean flare to your wardrobe. Use bright, beautiful colors representative of the islands to accent your outfits. This is a great time of year to break out of the cold mundane colors. Pairing with dark denim jeans and an understated simple top, tropical inspired jewelry will make a chic island statement. Manicures and pedicures finished with a brilliant Caribbean blue-green catches the eye. Use a touch of bronzer to give yourself a sunkissed glow.

Feel the energy. Stand up straight. Walk tall. Smile. Sparkle like the glistening Caribbean Sea. Make island time your time.

*Proceeds from the sale of the silver Bois De Tau Candle (pictured below) benefit the Ricky Martin Foundation, a non-profit organization that advocates "the well being of children around the globe in critical areas such as social justice, education and health."