Peace of Chocolate

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Image source: http://chaddsfordchiropractor.com/amazing-benefits-of-raw-chocolate/

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For most, there is no rival to chocolate among food. It stands in a category by itself, in whichever form it takes; liquid rushing like a flood, against the taste buds of our tongues, powder - intoxicating us with its rich aroma, or solid, a savoury treat. Not everyone loves chocolate, nonetheless, it is one of the most widely loved foods.

As internationally renowned as chocolate is, just over five centuries ago the plant it is made from (cacao) was only present in parts of the Americas and was used by the Mayans, Aztecs and some of the other natives of the Americas to make chocolate beverages, known then by some as "xocolātl". The Europeans who traveled to the Americas brought it back to Europe and added sweeteners such as sugar and milk to the beverage. Chocolate grew in popularity as a beverage and due to recipe experimentation over the centuries, chocolate of various forms came into being (click here to read more on the History of Chocolate). Chocolate is now available worldwide for consumption in many forms.

Pure chocolate itself does not contain wheat or gluten. Based on added ingredients to make certain products or being processed on machinery on which processed wheat and gluten ingredients, a product may not be free from wheat or gluten.  However, a non wheat and/or non-gluten eater need not dismay, there are many safe to consume chocolate brands and products out there.

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Tying the Knot in Jamaica: Capturing the Moment

A photograph offers snapshot of a single moment... but that snapshot captures the essence of a moment in time and preserves the visual representation and memory of it. It is a powerful visual holder of a moment and tells a story, though sometimes it may be misleading, of what was taking place in that instant; powerful enough as it gathers information that might have missed the human eye. Throughout time, moments have been captured in various forms; the visual side of moments have been captured in descriptive writing, sketches and paintings. However, the reigning King of capturing a moment is the camera. Unlike a painting, the capturing of a photograph is instant and does not rely on the capturer's memory.

"What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever, impossible to reproduce." 

― Karl Lagerfeld

"A good snapshot keeps a moment from running away." 

― Eudora Welty

"If the photographer is interested in the people in front of his lens, and if he is compassionate, it’s already a lot. The instrument is not the camera but the photographer." – Eve Arnold

Cellphone cameras and digital cameras are numerous and used or available to many persons around the world. Photographs are no longer expensive to take and need no longer be limited to special moments. The age of digital photography has birthed the premise "take a pic anytime, anywhere" and also that the selfie is king. 

Tying the Knot in Jamaica: The Golden Effect

A piece of jewellery

...an artistic expression

...a token, a gift

...a message

...fashion accessory

...an ornament

...an economic investment (wealth storage)

...currency

...a symbol of status

...an indicator of societal affiliation

...a marker of personal status

Jewellery sometimes finds itself being a feature of an event, such as a crowning ceremony, a medal ceremony and, more frequently, a wedding. In many cultures, rings are exchanged by the couple as a part of the ceremony; while some couples, seeking an alternative to the typical, might exchange other items of jewellery such as cuffs, bangles, bracelets, pins, nose rings, necklaces, pendants, lockets and so on. For many, this is a marker of their personal status, and one of the more treasured and sentimental items of jewellery they own.

The wedding ring or the alternative is often not the only item of jewellery worn by the marrying couple, and the couple are usually not the only persons in attendance who are adorned in jewellery. Brides, grooms, bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers and guests usually dress up for weddings and will at times go to great lengths to ensure they look great. Brides and grooms might source new items of jewellery that complement their rings, outfits or colour theme. Likewise, other members of the bridal party might need to get matching pieces or pieces that meet the requirements of their dress code. Guests may want new pieces of jewellery for various reasons. As such, jewellery shopping or finding a jeweller will be on the 'to do' list.

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