IslandMode

I’ve been hearing it over and over again from my lady friends; they’re anxious to, feeling the need to, pressing their boyfriend to meet his parents. I tried to figure out where females got the idea that meeting a guy’s parents was so important but before I even finished my question in my Google search the articles came pouring in. Countless number of women go through the same thing but they all want one thing: to meet their boyfriend’s parents. Tons of articles claim that one of the KEY ways to know if a guy is serious about you is if he introduces his woman to his parents. Other articles state that if he brings you to mum and dad it means he sees you in his future and as someone that he can see himself marrying. The list went on and on so I took to the streets asking ladies: ‘is it important to you to meet your boyfriend’s parents and why?’

The list went on to more than I can mention here but it all baffled me. Here’s another question: If a woman is in a satisfying relationship with a man that meets all of her needs and show signs of someone she can see herself with in the future why are women looking for validation from meeting two people (or one) to confirm their man’s commitment? If your guy isn’t quite close with his parents or don’t share personal aspects of his life with them why is it a pressing issue for women to meet them? Why, are women so convinced that once she meets her man’s parents that would cast out any chance of him cheating, leaving, lying or changing (for the worst)? Why is meeting your boyfriend’s parent necessary?

In my opinion, a lot of women are validating their relationships through what they read in magazines, what they see on TV, what they were raised to think and what they see their friends doing. A big part in the validation process brought on by these mediums is the introduction to the parents. Here’s the conflict: everyone’s story is different. Every man doesn’t find it necessary to take his woman home to his parents. It’s not because he doesn’t see a future with his woman or doesn’t respect her, it’s just because it’s not like him to do so. Ever stopped to think that some men may not want to take their women home because his parents are not the friendliest or simply because they are not that close so they may not care to know anything about his personal life?

Ladies, there are many ways to validate your relationship and ways to tell if your man is interested in a future with you. Try googling that and drop the parent thing. It’s so 80’s!

It seems, Mdeez keeps pushin out hit after hit with his latest tune 'Love is.' This jam has been on replay all week and we hops you guys like it. Check it out right here

Singer Rihanna is currently working on a new video for her song 'Man Down' from her album 'LOUD' in Portland, Jamaica.

The slick sounds of Man Down has certainly been a fave here at IslandMode with a whole lot of island flavor and a ruggedness that suits the singer well. Check out these photos from the video shoot.







Check out this video from the video set



Also check out the song along with lyrics here

It's almost been a year since one of the most tragic events happened in Jamaica. It was the horrifying takeover of Tivoli Gardens which left 74 Jamaicans dead. The madness didn't stop there. Soon after, there was a tireless effort to capture the infamous Michael Christopher 'Dudud' Coke, who caused it all.

On May 24 a full- length non- fictional account of the 'Dudus' saga will be released. It is entitled 'Jamaica's first President, Dudus 1992- 2010. His Rise, His Reign, His Demise.'

The tell all book is a 306 page investigative piece on the chronicles of the life and exploits of Dudus.

As if we couldn't hear enough about women (and now men), bleaching their skin, Reggae artist Mr. Vegas declares that he's black and proud in his latest dancehall hit. I'm diggin this jam. Check it out here

I want you to ask yourself, ‘Am I a Shelf Girl?’

See, something just toppled over in aisle 7 and on my way there to view what happened I’ve been glimpsing some of my girlfriends on the shelves. In case you’re wondering what a ‘Shelf Girl’ is lemme explain.

1. You’re interested in a guy and he seems to share the same feelings but he comes by now and again or even take you to dinner to keep you satisfied then he goes missing for a few days.

2. He runs over when you call him for comforting. He comes, comforts and then disappears once more for a few days.

3. He tells you he enjoys spending time with you and then he doesn’t talk to you for days on end.

Is this your situation? Are you like the grapes in the fruits section? Or like the ‘bag of chips, and alla that!?' All the possible buyers pick up the bag of chips, check out the size, sometimes even the ingredients and then rest them sloppily back on the shelf because he’s ‘not feelin’ that tonight’ or ‘that’s bad for him right now!’ He pulls a few grapes off the vine, pops a few in his mouth then decides he wants to move on with ‘Peaches!’

Ladies, remember to respect yourself. If you feel like he’s popping in now and again to keep you on his side then disappearing faster than Zorro after the heat of a sword fight, then it’s not worth it.

Unless you are comfortable with your relationship being one of ‘convenience’ then lay that out or don’t complain when he can’t serve you the way you want to be served. If this is a one stop shop, then act like it but don’t hold him accountable when you want 24 hour convenience.

On this end, we’re not promoting shelf behavior; you gatta move on. This kind of thing carries on into relationships that can possibly turn into marriages. What do you think your ‘fiancé’ does? Gives you a ring, take you off the store shelf but puts you on his shelf at home, and then keep you from potentially meeting someone that wants to bag you, taxes or not and take you home with a Kool-Aid Jammer Smile.

If you’re dating Spider Man, shelf behavior is okay; cuz we all know his has to run off into the wee hours of the night and fight off green villains. But if you are dating Mr-I-already-came-half-steppin-and-I’m-a-little-stupid-so-I-might-break-your-heart then mosey your neatly packaged self of those rusty shelves; you deserve better! ;)

The Bob Marley Resort and Spa is set to be reopened on May 11th, 2011 and the event promises to be nothing less than spectacular.

Bob Marley's 'Mellow Mood' teas and drinks will be the highlight of the evening which have been introduced in the early part of this year. They are all 100 percent natural and caffeine-free.

Contact the Marley Resort at 702- 2800 for tickets and www.marleysmellowmood.com and www.marleyresort.com.

Check out this flyer to see what events are taking place.



All Day activities for $10.00 - open to the public at 10:00am
Wristbands will be issued

More info

9:00 am Press Sampling of the product a special press sampling for those who can not make the launch late that evening.

10:00 am The Gallery Opens with a collection of his photos Doors Open to the Public

11:00 am The Screening Room opens for guest to view all his commercials and personal interviews.

12:00 Noon Lunch is an Organic Salad Bar Served with a selection of one of Marley's Mellow Mood lightly carbonated sodas in Berry or Citrus Flavors for a fee.

12:30 pm Hands & Craft Expo Good to purchase a Fashion Show

3:00pm Sampling and Tasting continues with Marley’s Mellow Mood Sodas
6:00pm Meet & Greet Rita Marley
6:30pm Marley's Beverage Company Presentation by Hector Rivera
7:00pm Marley's Mellow Mood is Launched Green Tea with Honey and Black Raspberry with Honey
8:00pm Entertainment by Ernie Smith Jamaican Legendary Folk Artist and Bahamian Alia Coley Dinner Show for a fee off the menu Meat & Organic Salad

So I've found my latest Summer Fashion Fetish and it is definitely the rugged yet fun and sexy boyfriend shorts. We've heard about boyfriend jeans but here's a way to throw on that classic fit with a twist for the hot summer months ahead of us.

These shorts work really well with loose fitting tops, tanks and even with a boyfriend blazer or a cute cardigan. Check out these photos to see how the celebs are wearing them.




Courtesy of Victoria Secret


Rihanna in boyfriend shorts and a blazer




Yours truly in Boyfriend shorts by United Colors of Benetton

Go out and get yourself this hot look to keep you cool this summer and looking your best.

It's just a matter of hours before the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton takes place in Westminster Abbey, London. Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes were invited to attend the wedding with their wives. We can't wait to get more scoop on the fabulous event.

Let me get straight to the point! If your man shows up for a date late once that can be excused. If he shows up for another date late, that may be excused but this time, with good reasoning. If your man continues to show up for a date every night, every week, every month, then honey, it's a character flaw.

Let me bring it home for you. We're all human which means we are liable to make mistakes. It's a part of being, well, human. So when someone makes a mistake that is completely understandable; but when someone repeats the same behavior over and over again then it is considered a character flaw.

Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with character flaws, we all have them. But how much of a character flaw is acceptable?

There are some things you should tolerate but other just won't fly. Here's how to tell the difference.

1. If your man forgot your plans because he had a busy week or he is tied with something important- that is a mistake. If he forgot your dinner date at 8, your lunch date at 3, your sexy rendezvous at 2 because: 'oh I forgot again, I'm sorry.' then I hate to break it to you but that is a character flaw! He clearly has a problem with locking down a plan and making time for you.

2. If your man lied about something, depending on what it is, it may have been a mistake. Sometimes people lie to avoid hurting your feelings. When your man lies about hanging in another girl's bed because: 'she invited me over and I didn't know how to tell her no' or he got another girls number and claims: 'what? I wasn't going to call her, just didn't want to hurt her feelings by not taking her number.' Clearly your guy has commitment issues and not to mention, an issue with telling the truth.

Making mistakes is expected from everyone but always remember to put your foot down when the time is right. Your guy is only human and may forget things sometimes, show up late or any other mistake you can imagine but when his 'mistakes' are repetitive then something is certainly wrong. Nip things in the bud or get out, FAST, before it's too late.