IslandMode

Let face it; as women we all want to be wined and dined and treated to the best when it comes to dating. As for men, you always want to make a good impression on the woman you're spending time with. However, dating can become quite taxing.

When the rough gets going on your cash, here are some ways to make a good impression while having fun and creating memories with that special someone.

Movie Night

You can quickly cut the cost of movie night from $14 for the two of you (which does not include snacks as yet) to $5 for your fave DVD and use the extra cash to stock up on snacks. You're saving, getting as comfy as you'd like and you don't have to stress about finding an outfit.

Cook :: For Her

Contrary to popular belief, the kitchen is not only for the woman. Guys, learn her favorite recipe and surprise her. Don't skip out on dressing up. Make it a sweet surprise by having her believe you're going out to eat. Recipes like pasta or chicken fettuccine are pretty easy, fast and inexpensive. It's thoughtful and romantic!

Check out an Art Museum

This just happens to be one of those dates that pretty much won't cost you a thing. Most art galleries around town cost nothing. The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas usually cost about $2 a person to get in. This is perfect for an afternoon thing.


Other cool dating ideas that can keep you within budget include

• A beach picnic
  
• Video game night
• Any activity that allows the both of you to do something you enjoy doing
  

We all know, Christmas just happens to be one of the most exciting time of the year. Every one's getting dolled up and gathering with family and friends to share in the joy of the birth of Christ and the happiness that comes with making it to the end of the year. Not to mention, all the sweet surprises under your Christmas tree. And what would Christmas be without the parties, intoxicating booze and annoying relatives cramming your space?

But what if this isn't the case for you? Maybe, just maybe you're a hot single that isn't bothered by that sentiment at all but need a few ideas on how to bring the party to you! Well here's a quick guide to make this season a festive one!

Gather a few of your gal pals and guy friends and have everyone exchange gifts. Put a little spin on it by requesting your guest to only bring gifts that are hand made or try something naughty by requesting that everyone brings something sexy! (Insert wink here)

Have the guys over for NBA!
The lockout is OVER!



Who wouldn't want to come over to watch Basketball? Don't be cheap about it! Get some pizza, popcorn, beers and some single female friends to pass through!

Ok, I'm fizzed out trying to help you single people. I'll check in when something exciting comes to mind! In the mean time, a very early, very Happy Holiday!

Whether you're fashionably festive or a sassy Scrooge, put on a good face and a great look for the holidays with bold red! Here's one way to get the job done!

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! ;)