AFG's Guide to T & T: ENCHANTED WATERS TOBAGO

"Come as a guest, leave as a friend and return as a part of the family!" This would be the easiest way to sum up an experience at Enchated Waters.

Located on a small fishing village called Buccoo, this hotel and restuarant is by far one of the most pleasant experiences I've had in Tobago. There are very few water front properties on the island, and being a local I feel that they are all over priced. I like staying at Patino's being that it is centrally located near three beaches (a five minute drive to each) They have incredible food and service. My foundest memories of the hotel are of me falling asleep to the relaxing sound of the fountain outside my room and the cool island breeze. Oh! I wish I was there right now!

Thank you to all of the staff at Patino's Enchanted Waters Tobago. I had an AMAZING stay and I miss you all!

Make sure you visit www.enchantedwaterstobago.com for more information.

Posted by Unknown at 5:06 PM - 0 comments

AFG's Guide to T & T: GENERAL 'G' TAXI SERVICE

General 'G' Taxi Service

While in Tobago, if you are looking for the best and the safest tour guide for the island (which takes about 1.5 hours to get across), General 'G' is the person you want! To be honest, I was really blown away by his politeness. He absolutely REFUSED to even let me open the door. There's a photograph of him and a woman three times his size giving him an award. As you enter the cab, General 'G' quickly points out that that is not his wife. He comes highly recommended by me, if you are ever in Tobago. He'll definitely put a smile on your face.

General 'G' Taxi Service
Email: supergeneralg@hotmail.com
Phone: (868) 620-5496
www.generalgtaxi.com

Posted by Unknown at 4:53 PM - 0 comments

AFG's Guide to NYC: SINGH'S ROTI SHOP

And, finally to end the blog... here is my favorite find yet. If you are looking for the best food from Trinidad (including Creole and Indian) this is the place to be!
Walking into Singh's... is like walking into a rum/roti shop in Trinidad. From the sights, sounds and smells, this is a true must. It's a small journey out of Manhattan, but I guarantee you that it's worth every bite. Try one of my favorite's which is an aloo pie with tamarind chutney (with slight pepper as we say in Trini).

Singh's Roti Shop
11806 Liberty Ave, Jamaica, NY
(718) 835-7255‎

Posted by Unknown at 4:39 PM - 0 comments

ASK ANTONIO

What Inspires Me?

The fact that my two hands can have such an impact on someone's day or their life makes it worth waking up in the morning.

My introduction into hair started with meeting Anthony Medina when I was 18 years old. Anthony is not only one of the greatest hairstylist that I have met, but an incredible makeup artist and designer.

You may ask, can one person have all this talent? Well, ladies and gentlemen, yes he can!

I would sit and watch him make women feel like they were "reborn" with one hairstyle. He would tap into beauty that they never knew they had.

I observed client after client leave "transformed". I knew right then and there that I was born to be a hairstylist. I was just waiting to be discovered.

The first time I left the island at age 18 (was also my first time on a plane too) was to visit the International Beauty Show at the Jacob Javitz center. Well, can I tell you, my jaw dropped!!!

I could not believe my eyes. Anthony showed me the in and outs of the fashion & hair industries. This was all done with the help of his close childhood friend and WORLD REKNOWNED stylist, Freddie Lieba. If you are anyone important in the worlds of photography, fashion and/or Hollywood, more than likely Freddie has blessed you with his Trinidadian born talent. Then I was wisked off to the Bronx to meet Trinidad born Clem Lu Yat, master hairstylist that created so many of his own techniques on hair extensions.

So, basically 19 years ago, I was given the gift of knowing that I could make it in NYC. I could not have done it without the three men planting the seeds which allowed me to have the never ending passion to "do hair". Thanks my fellow "Trinis".

To see previous postings and topics, please click "Older Post" at the bottom of the page.

STAY TUNED FOR NEXT MONTH'S TOPIC
- MORE WEDDING HAIR
- CONVERSATION WITH THE FLAT IRON
- HAIR RELAXING: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HAIR RELAXING
- 5 OF NEW PROFESSIONAL PRODUCT RELEASES THAT YOU CAN'T LIVE WITH OUT
- AND MORE DRUG STORE FINDS


Thanks,

Antonio

Posted by Unknown at 10:10 AM - 0 comments

NEW STYLES

Here are a few simple updo's featuring pieces from VINTEDGED. It is amazing what a few pieces of jewelry can do for the hair (and, yes I did say jewelry). I used a necklace and two earrings to create these looks.

Posted by Unknown at 9:37 AM - 0 comments

BRIDAL HAIR: THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Should I have my veil for the trial ?

Most brides don't have there veil at that time, but if you do it would be great to have it for the trial. This enables you to make any changes to the style that you choose or any simple last minute changes to the veil (believe me, I have dissected some veils in my time).

Which is better, in salon or on-location wedding services?

I do both all the time. It's really up to the bride. In-salon is convenient because the stylist has all the tools and proper environment (a huge mirror, lighting, etc.). So, if anything goes wrong (i.e. run out of bobby pins) it's nice to have all your resources at your finger tip. It's also cheaper when using a stylist in the salon. If I have to leave behind all that work on a Saturday, obviously I need to be compensated. Don't worry, the bride is assured that she is in great hands. I bring every tool and know hotel rooms inside out (you know what I mean).

On the down side, most weddings are on Saturday and the salon is busy. You should know that you will not have the privacy that you would in your own hotel room, but It cost less. You can always ask your stylist to book you some extra time. On a Saturday, 15 minutes is a big deal.

How do I know that my stylist will show up (on-location wedding)

I have done weddings where I was given a contract to sign to be sure that I will show up on time. (hairstylists will hate me for writing this). :)

Should you have to pay for your trial

Yes!!! The only thing different about the trial compared to the wedding day is, " You ain't getting married." It's actually more work most times for the trial. I like doing exactly what I will be doing on the wedding day (not with one hand on the hip and the other doing a half-ass twist and saying :"It's something like this.").

Remember YOU want to look your best on this day. Spend less on the flowers and more on your hair and makeup.

To be continued

Posted by Unknown at 9:24 AM - 0 comments

"BRIDE'S GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL SURVIVAL"

SHE'S GOT EVERYTHING SHE NEEDS FOR HER WEDDING,BUT WILL SHE MAKE IT DOWN THE AISLE?

"Bride's Guide to Emotional Survival" Helps Couples Cope with the Stress of
an Engagement Period.

There are countless tasks on a bride's to-do list: find the perfect hairstylist, choose a cake, buy the dress, book the reception site and the list goes on. Author & Psychologist, Rita Bigel-Casher, LCSW, PhD reasons that there's one more crucial thing the bride must take care of throughout the process: her emotional health. Dr. Rita's book, "Bride's Guide to Emotional Survival" (available through AuthorHouse, in book stores and online), tackles the myriad of difficult issues many brides face while planning a wedding and preparing for marriage.

Tension is often the overriding sentiment for all involved during what is supposed to be one of the happiest occasions in a woman's life. Dr. Rita's is the first and only book to tackle this issue with effective survival techniques and tactics such as "five quick ways to save the psyche of any bride-to-be" and "creating a united vision." There may be turmoil and unexpected dissent, but with Dr. Rita's sound advice, all family members, including the groom, parents of the bride and in-laws will benefit from these useful tools for handling each emotional crisis with relative ease.

Rita. Bigel-Casher acknowledges that, "The engagement period isn't always one of constant celebration and endless fun. It's actually a rather stressful time for most brides that embodies the last days of a family's and a person's life as they know it."

Handling the upheavals, recognizing that tensions are high, and utilizing Brides Guide to Emotional Survival's many tips for staying sane and civil will help brides and grooms keep their eyes on what is most important; their future together rather than the chaos of the pre-wedding planning. As Dr. Lila Nachtigal, New York University Medical School Professor observes, "Forget Prozac and avoid Valium. This book is true preventive medicine."

Dr. Rita Bigel-Casher is a practitioner of mind/body healing for Trauma and Relationships, with a private practice in New York City, where she specializes in couple wellness, individual growth and family therapy.

She has appeared frequently in the national media, including: Oprah, CNN, The New York Times, and many Bridal magazines. She inspires audiences on topics of love, relationships, success and personal transformation.

Please visit Dr. Rita's website: www.RitaCanHelp@aol.com or blog:
www.Ritacanhelp.blogspot.com or phone (212) 532-0032.

Posted by Unknown at 9:08 AM - 0 comments

YOUR HAIR AFTER CANCER TREATMENTS

I am happy to have this conversation on this topic. So, many of us have been affected by this disease. It has no prejudice.
I am not the only hairstylist that has had to walk a client through the change of his/her hair after treatment. As a hairstylist, I understand how important it is to know how to provide advice for my client to cope with this life changing experience. I often hear that after everything is discussed about treatment with the patient, one of the important questions that is asked is, "What about my hair?" On top of everything else the client and his/her family must experience, there is also the loss of one's hair to deal with. I can't imagine how difficult this must be, but one thing I do know is we are here to help.

So many times I have seen individuals hair change completely after treatment. I mean the hair was straight before and then it's now curly. Not just wavy, I mean curly! Most times it's expected, but still it's always a shock to the client and the hair stylist the way it looks, feels and the texture can vary; for everyone it is different. As you can imagine, it takes skill and a true understanding of hair to make someone who has had a certain hair texture all their life to now embrace this new head of hair.

The next step is for the client is to think fast and find a stylist that they feel comfortable with for so many reasons. No one deserves to be treated like they are different. The hairstylist must be sensitive enough to listen and embrace the emotions behind the client, who wants guidance to cope with their new locks. The stylist must also be able to assess the client's response to his/her new hair, decide on what changes can be made that would not only convince the client that their hair is going to look great, but that she may even love it after all (even sooner than they think)!

This is where creativity comes in. How can I make someone who has someone else's hair love it, feel sexy and still feel that they are the same person? How about color (because that changes as well) ? So, do you get it ? This is life changing and you the stylist must be able to deliver more than ever because strong emotions are involved , rightfully so. This is possible and happens all the time, with the right product recommendation and a creative eye you can give an amazing new look!

I recommend allowing the hair to grow about 2 inches and see a stylist when you feel comfortable. Please understand that your existing stylist can do a great job. He or she knows you, your style and has had a rapport with you for sometime. It is important to know short, curly or straight hair is sexy all you need is the right set of hands behind you. Start conditioning treatments right away; getting the texture hydrated is very important. It makes the hair stronger, shinier and its ability to with stand coloring is improved ( if coloring is needed ). A great shampoo and hair mask is Age recahrge by Kerastase, try it!! It's amazing!!!

To be continued with some great short cuts.

Posted by Unknown at 8:40 AM - 1 comments

HAIR MISHAPS: HOW TO DIVORCE YOUR STYLIST

I know you are probably thinking, " Is he afraid to have this conversation ? " Honey, this is what HAIR BY ANTONIO is all about, having conversations with you, for you, to help you...

No one in any job has ever maintained every client they have ever touched, it's just not realistic.

THE STYLIST

We as the provider do have the power to deliver our best, which is all we can do. It is also important to try our best and read the client. If a client is unhappy there is always a little something in their facial expression to tell you " I am not feeling it."
What is very important to me is to keep a mental note at the time of doing the client. I ask myself, "Am I doing the best I can do? Does his or her facial expression really show complete satisfaction? Are we on the same page? How can I take my ego out of this and be open to how the client sees his or herself?


THE CLIENT

You have a relationship with your stylist, but at the end of the day "It's about knowing what's right for you. " By the time it gets to this point, something must be bothering you. It might have been a 1 year relationship or a 15 year relationship, the more time the harder it is. Give your stylist another chance. At this appointment, be honest and vent your frustrations. This conversation will be your deciding factor on your next move. Let's face it, a great hairstylist is hard to come by, but at the same time, so is a dedicated client.

If you feel that the relationship with your stylist is hopeless, don't be afraid to flee the sinking ship and step onto someone else's yacht! It is entirely up to you if you decided to inform your stylist of your decision. Some clients are comfortable being completely honest and upfront with their stylist. Although, it is a difficult conversation to have, you might just be the client to pull the blinders from in front of your stylists eyes; ultimately helping to make he/she a better stylist. Others may opt to pull a Houdini disappearing act; never to be seen or heard from again...

These are a few reasons that some of my new clients have DIVORCED their previous stylist.

-Wanting change
-Miscommunication
-Stylist moving
-Being too familiar
-Feeling neglected

These are all valid reasons, but they could be worked out. What is the key to any relationship COMMUNICATION

Have I been DIVORCED ? Child, I am still paying alimony :)

Next topic : How to make up....

Posted by Unknown at 8:00 AM - 0 comments

AFG's Guide to NYC: DANA GALIN

Seeing that I've got so many raving reviews from my readers, I've deciced to post more of Dana Galin's Jewelry. Please visit her website for more information!

Posted by Unknown at 7:45 AM - 0 comments

ASK ANTONIO

Welcome to Hair by Antonio, a forum for you (the client of any hair stylist) to come to and feel free to ask any question, share my knowledge and a place to feel welcome to experience the world of hair from a stylist's point of view.

As many of you have already been updated about the opening of our Bond Street location, I wanted to share more info hot off the press from my chair to you . In the coming months, we will be closing our doors on Hudson street for good. I know it will be a big change for me too, but can I tell you how excited I am!!! Really! Nobody does it like Eva Scrivo. Then the new space on West 13th street! Can you imagine? Cobble stone streets and all?! I have already requested a mirror ball to hang over my chair guys so get ready !!!
I will be stationed at the 13th Street location only (maybe making a few appearances at the Bond St. Location).
I want to say a special thanks to Arik Efros and Eva Scrivo for realising the demand for consistency, style and more room :) for the clients and staff.

See you on the East side,

Antonio


UPCOMING TOPICS

- YOUR HAIR AFTER CANCER TREATMENTS
- FASHION ADVICE FROM ELAINE ARMSTRONG
- HAIR REMOVAL FOR THE MAN
- DIVORCING YOUR HAIR STYLIST

Posted by Unknown at 9:13 PM - 3 comments

NEW CUTS

Posted by Unknown at 9:03 PM - 0 comments

AFG's Guide to NYC: VINTEDGE CLOTHING

I'm really excited to share this rare gem with you all. No, really this one is good. As most things go in this city, I was introduced to Joe through a friend. I arrived to his store, and to my surprise it was this quant little store with an eclectic collection of dresses, shoes, purses, etc. Not only, do I find his clothes amazing, but so do his clients (see the list below).

* Vintedge clothing will be featured in "Sex and The City The Movie" and "Diary of a Shopaholic".
This trendy shop's previous movie credits include: "The Aviator" and "Factory Girl".
Frequent shoppers include celebrities such as Betsy Johnson, Ralph Lauren, Victoria Beckham, Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, Natalia Vodianova, Catherine Malandrino, etc. *



Address: Vintedge Clothing
40 West 25th Street, Gallery 4
Phone: 917-301-1808

Posted by Unknown at 8:28 PM - 0 comments

MY FAVORITE DRUG STORE FINDS: GARNIER FRUCTIS SMOOTHING MILK

First of all, YES, there is a BIG difference between your salon product and a drug store find that is not a top of the line product. Professional products focus on stronger qualities like high grade silocones, proteins, light weight volumizing agents, water-based conditioners, mild detergents... the list is endless. It's known that the drug store finds cannot live up to these standards, but my finds can meet us half way.

It's my mission, purchase, try and report to you how I feel about these products.

My first purchase from this line, was the Smoothing Milk, which I found to be light weight and it got the job done. I was able to break down the curl quickly and achieve a smoothness that I was looking for. The shine was not as intense as the products that I normally work with and it took a ittle longer to dry ; however, we will give the Smoothing Milk a passing grade.

Posted by Unknown at 7:42 PM - 0 comments

PATH FOR LIFE- "FOOD, NURTURE & CANCER"

Living with cancer sounds challenging, doesn't it? It is. Life changes
when you are diagnosed. All of a sudden everything we do has to be planned
around treatments and so on. We become patients and we are no longer
just people. For a period of time. Then treatment is over. What then?
We are faced with a new challenge. What will I do from here on about
prevention?

The first issue that I always talk about is sugar. Many have heard
"sugar feeds cancer cells", but few understand what that really means
and tend to be confused about how to then have sweetness as part of
the daily nourishment.

Yes, sugar is a culprit. Simple because it kills the natural survivial
and killer instict of our healthy cells in such a way that cancer
can indeed grow. When we eat refined sugar, we not only deplete our
immune system with every bite, we also cause our cells to feed off the
wrong "information". Food is information to our entire cell system.

So we need to choose a food plan that is low in glycemic index. That
means we need food that is rich in fiber and not processed. We need
food that is whole and cooked fresh. Not cooked in a factory and
packaged to be left on a shelf for who knows how long.

Food is the closest we have to being mothered. All illness is
considered a message to us about food and lifestyle choices that do
not work. Especially when breast cancer is involved there is message
of needing mothering. Did that surprise you? If you have been
diagnosed with breast cancer you might already have made that
connection. Most of my breast cancer clients have, but don't know what
to do with it. For a starters, cook. The most mothering we can do for
ourselves is to take really, really good care of ourselves. Show yourself
lots of love and cooking your own food is a wonderful step to take.


Jeanette Bronee, HHC

PATH FOR LIFEself-nourishment center(R)
Where Wellness is Nurtured and Habits Change for Good.

80 East 11th st. no. 624 NYC 10003
T: 212 260 0604 C: 917 353 2889 www.pathforlife.com

Feed Your Body, Nurture Your Soul, Balance Your Life.

Posted by Unknown at 7:16 PM - 0 comments

HAIR MISHAPS: SHE'S VEXED WITH THE RAZOR : )

Scenario ,
After being excited about the whole shorter hair craze, you are finally inspired to go short. You ask your stylist to free you from the bondage of the ponytail and are willing to commit to some extra time to styling your hair in the morning. You and your stylist are excited about the new do and your last words were, "You are in charge. I trust you. " This is a possible mishap waiting to happen...

The cut is beautiful!! It fits the shape of the face well; the style is modern and sexy.Hugs and kisses are shared and you leave the salon feeling complete; happy to be rid of the ponytail. Two days later you wash your hair and begin styling, but something has changed?! You put your brush to your hair and it's as if they had a love affair gone wrong! The hair just slides out of the brush. It's wispy and difficult to style. You start thinking about the salon visit and how happy you and your stylist were . Then the 1 thing you remembered that was different was the tool that was used... a razor! Once again the razor gets a bad name.

This is a big one because the razor is my best friend, that was so generously introduced to me by Eva. Before I decide on using a razor on my clients, I always ask myself the following things:

A) What is the style to be achieved?
B) What is the clients lifestyle?
C) Is the hair thick enough ?
D) Can I achieve the style and leave the hair with a texture that is manageable?

WAS THE RAZOR THE WRONG THING TO USE?

When choosing a tool, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. For example, the hair density, texture, the client's experience with it in the past and how aggressive it's used . The razor is a silent partner in this relationship. It is a tool that is so often misused. This tool is amazing and precise when used with care.

Here are some tips on razoring that you should know and questions you can ask if you are thinking of a razor cut:

1) Share your concerns about the razor, especially if you've had bad past experiences. A hair stylist that loves their craft will listen and decide if the razor is best for you. They will let you know whether your hair can take it or not. Rather than impose what he/she wants to do to satisfy an ego.

2) Since you are a bit nervous about the "tool in question," ask if part of the hair can be cut with the razor and the other part with the scissor ( Its done all the time ).

3) Ask for new product recommendations

4) Express concerns like, "I am afraid of being too razored", "I want it to be easy to style" and "Can we alternate razor cuts and scissor cuts ?"

To be continued

Posted by Unknown at 6:57 PM - 1 comments

MEN'S HAIR & THE CHANGES: DISCUSSING THE "G" WORD

ON THE HEAD..

OK Guys , let's have a 1 on 1 here...Yes, men do have it easier when it comes to wearing their hair naturally without hair color. But, more and more men are embracing a few low lites or a ever so slight "grey blending." You have no idea how many of your friends are coloring their hair . Gone are the days when we have to look like BRUTAS from Popeye with that black mane, now we can still have that very subtle coverage and still look mature and sexy.
Products like Wella Color Touch have developed "no ammonia " low peroxide colors to make subtle change without scaring your friends . The idea is to make you look as if you are now starting to grey. This can be achieved by baliaging color in so you only cover a percentage. Sometimes we only color a section of the hair first then after 10 minutes or so blend it into the rest of the hair because the entire head greys at different times

GREY HAIR ON THE FACE

Please do not walk around looking like you have molasses dripping off of your face. You are fooling NO ONE !! Have a professional hairstylist select a color that you can purchase from the salon to match your hair color exactly or a shade lighter .

GREY HAIR ON THE CHEST

I know some guys who use hair color on there chest; applying it with a tooth brush :) That's right,you know who you are ! But you cant have a black head of hair and a silver chest. Sorry it does not work that way. The drapes must match the sofa LOL!!

I think we should stop here for now ....

Posted by Unknown at 6:55 PM - 0 comments