C+C Accommodations: Alsol Del Mar Resort, Cap Cana, DR

As promised, Coconut + Concrete Accommodations will spotlight some of the most beautiful yet affordable properties throughout the Caribbean. These features are not reviews (unless specified); they are suggested Coconut + Concrete stays. I like to pride myself on the fact that I've yet to meet a hotel or resort who's expectations surprised me. I know what I'm walking into because I do extensive research (not just Trip Advisor!). Just know that if I wouldn't stay there, you won't find it here.

First up: Alsol Del Mar, Cap Cana, Dominican Republic

Sunset in Cap Cana

Where: Cap Cana is an exclusive real estate and tourist destination on the eastern shore of the Dominican Republic. Has been recognized as one of the "best" destinations in the Caribbean. Al Sol Del Mar Resort is beachfront, with all room categories claiming to offer nice views.

Why C+C likes it: It's beachfront (hello!!!), ALL-INCLUSIVE, it's tucked away from the busy-ness that the city of Punta Cana offers, it's close to the airport (about 15 minutes - great for a quick weekend getaway). It is touted as an "ideal choice for an intimate retreat". Alsol Del Mar is a small resort (122 rooms), offers free wifi and the decor is stunning (which is just as important as being on the beach in my opinion). Stay here and enjoy exchange privileges at the two sister properties (Alsol Luxury Village Cap Cana and Alsol Tiara Cap Cana). Prices VERY reasonable too!

The lovely private white sand beach 

Island-hop? YES! Hop a catamaran over to the beautiful Saona Island

*Potential Trip: Flight & Hotel - 6/7 - 6/10/18, JFK - PUJ, Ocean Loft (see below) - Double Occupancy, $827 per person (Interested? Click HERE)

Ocean loft

Life's a Fete with MerchCarnival

Carnival babies, listen up. There's a clothing line JUST for you. With MerchCarnival you can express every sentiment related to not only carnival season but the Caribbean as well. How dope is that?

Ashlee Douglas, designer and founder of the brand, chats with Coconut + Concrete to give us an inside look. 

I personally love all of your pieces! Especially the variety - there is literally something for everyone. Where do you get your inspiration from?

Growing up in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and having family ties to Trinidad, Dominica, and Bermuda, I love, love, LOVE Caribbean culture and love showcasing my pride for my home and the region at large. Especially moving to the states for college, I was homesick and loved showcasing my Caribbean heritage and that's what gave me the idea of making apparel. MerchCarnival started off as an apparel and accessories brand showcasing Caribbean pride on ready-to-wear items.  As I began growing the shop, I was learning about all of these other Caribbean-based designers that I loved and wanted to showcase on my shop, so now the goal is to make MerchCarnival into a Marketplace of in-house printed apparel and accessories, but also curated products from Caribbean-made and Caribbean-inspired goods.

Island Gyal Sweatshirt - $40.00, available for pre-order 

Have you done any collaborations with mas bands for carnival?

I have not done any collaborations with mas bands (yet!) but over the summer I did do a mini "pop up" with a mas band in St. Croix for their band launch. It was a different experience and I would love to build on that.

Bermudaful Tee - $32.00

Favorite vacation destination/resort recommendation?

Ahhhhh that is a tough decision. I would have to say my top vacation destination experience was St. Lucia and I always recommend visiting my home, St. Croix in the USVI, if you're looking for a less "touristy" experience.

Yes! I love St. Lucia as well. What can we look forward to in the future from MerchCarnival?

You can look forward to our brand features growing. I would love to feature more designers from the Caribbean and of Caribbean-heritage, so I'm working to add more for the Spring/Summer season. Also, I would love to add more pop up events. Vending has become one of my favorite parts of hosting a business, and I would love to introduce more people to the brand and meet more fans in-person. It's always a great time.

Last but not least, what advice would you give those looking to start an online retail business?

I would advise those interested in starting an e-commerce to plan a lot before launching, so make sure that you complete your business plan. Because trust me it's a lot more than just posting online and hoping for the best.

Margrete Wristlet - $32.00

Major thanks to Ashlee for taking the time out of her busy schedule to tell us all about MerchCarnival. You can show here some love here.

Building Communities in Ghana with Shea Yeleen

Rahama Wright, founder of Shea Yeleen

I am all about a good and worthy cause, especially when it's within our own community. Sisters helping sisters. Marcus Garvey once said, "there is no humanity before that which starts with yourself".

Shea Yeleen is a social enterprise dedicated to empowering women in West Africa and the United States through the production, sale and use of Shea Butter products (one of my favorite products!). Coconut + Concrete chatted with Rahama Wright, who started the brand which is now available online and in Whole Foods. 

High quality, organic, fair trade skin care products

Congratulations on your partnership with Whole Foods, that's major! How did Shea Yeleen first begin?

I started Shea Yeleen after serving in the Peace Corps. During my time volunteering at a community health center, I noticed the financial limitations of many women who couldn't afford medicine. I began to research income-generating activities for women and learned about Shea Butter and its connection to the lives of women in the Sahel region of Africa. After learning the disconnect between traditional women, Shea Butter producers and the global marketplace, I decided to create Shea Yeleen with two specific goals: 1. Assist women to generate living wages from their labor 2. Ensure customers are getting the highest quality Shea Butter products for their body care needs.

I love how your company is working in partnership with women in Ghana. How has this affected the community there?

There are so many definitions of empowerment. The definition I use for my business model is creating living wages for women. I believe this is important because when women have access to more income and are financially secure the entire community and families change for the better. Shea Yeleen accomplishes this goal by paying Shea Butter producers in Ghana five times their country's minimum wage. This means going from making less than $2/day to $10/day. As an example, the cost of living to send a child to school cost about $3/month, access to a health insurance card costs $15/year, average transportation costs .50/day.

WOW!! That is truly amazing. Do you travel to Ghana often? If so, what is something a visitor MUST do or see while there?

I travel to Ghana 2 - 4 times. For anyone going to Ghana, you must travel outside Accra the capital and head to Cape Coast to visit the slave castles. It is about a three-hour drive from Accra. Trying local foods is a must. My favorites are fufu with a light soup, rice and beans served in a banana leaf with plantains, and rice with okra stew. I'm getting so hungry thinking about these.

Sounds so GOOOOOD. Now, I'm sure there are several but what is Shea Yeleen's one MUST HAVE item?

Our top seller is our lavender honeysuckle shea butter cream, which is sold on our website and in select Whole Foods Markets. However, my personal favorite is the unscented shea butter balm. This is shea butter in its purest form and is excellent for dry skin. I use it daily.

We also recently launched a spa line with MGM Resorts and the top seller is the Bourbon Citrus Body Cream. It is heaven in a jar!

It sounds heavenly too!! And last but not least do you have any plans to expand or open up a store?

No plans to create a storefront. But, our expansion plans include securing more retail accounts, especially with our spa line. I see a lot of opportunity working with boutique spas.

Sooooo exciting!!! Many great things are on the horizon for Rahama and Shea Yeleen. Make sure you check out the brand online and in your nearest Whole Foods. Stay tuned here too because we'll also be working in partnership with this amazing brand. Giveaway coming soon, make sure you're following us on Instagram @coconutandconcrete.

Major thanks to Rahama and Shea Yeleen for taking the time out for us!

I DID IT... Toddler's First Flight

My son is two years old and no, as much as my husband and I travel we've never taken him along with us on any of our trips. Mainly because he is a very rambunctious, spunky and very LIVELY boy and our getaways are just that - getting away. In my pre-motherhood days I've often rolled my eyes at the sound of crying babies and annoying kids on past flights and I refuse to be "that" parent on the plane; baby crying, screaming, kicking. Basically doing everything except sleeping. But when my mother reached out to me asking if I'd like to go visit my sister in Ohio, I thought, sure why not - it's a short flight, how bad could it be?

My little one loves music, dancing, sports-like activities and Mickey. I made sure I had everything he needed: snacks, juice, tablet and headphones, books, plus all of the other toddler necessities. I always try to be as prepared as possible when it comes to this little guy. 

Fast forward to our flight. He cried during take-off because he didn't want to stay in his seat. I would say about every 45 minutes he needed to move around. He wanted to go across the aisle to my mom, he wanted to go back and forth. When I made him sit, he screamed. He kicked the seat in front of him. Then, he cried during landing. He doesn't like anything restraining him so he was constantly trying to wriggle out of the seat belt. 

Upon our return back home, it was pretty much the same EXCEPT this time our flight was delayed. So instead of leaving at 6:45pm we were scheduled to leave at 8:50pm. I immediately thought, this is where the nightmare begins. My rambunctious boy and I walked and raced around the Dayton International Airport in the hopes that he would K.O on the flight back. Nope. Didn't work. After countless times ascending the stairs and descending the escalator, this kid wasn't tired at all. The lights were off on the plane, I snuggled him in a blanket, and all he wanted to do was watch and sing along to Bruno Mars' "That's What I Like" on his tablet while others tried to get some shut-eye (myself included).

Overall, my mom gave him an "A" for his first flight. Me, I gave him a "C". Remember - I used to be that person who cringed at the sound of a child crying on a plane. I am the parent of that child now.