BLOGGGGGG

[jofroxi]

AUG/ wellness.

In honor of National Wellness Awareness Month I’d like to share some of the things I’ve learned on my journey to better health mentally, physically & spiritually. Holistically. First I’d like to start by stating that this path is not always linear, perfect nor easy, but it’s worth it and it can be with consistency.

Wellness is important because it is the motor that converts energy into fuel which will drive every other aspect of your life. You can’t drive a car with just a gas pedal and steering wheel but no engine. Hence, we’re geared towards diving deeper into the pit of our souls.

SOUL-SEARCHING.

Vroom-vroom here we go! So like anyone else on this planet, I’ve had some pretty traumatic experiences, but the lessons that came out of them are what truly matters. From mommy/daddy issues to abuse and alcoholism running deep in my DNA, it was hard trying not to point fingers somewhere. But where? That leads me to prayer & meditation. The asking and the receiving, with gratitude falling right in between. The most high showed me how to heal by asking all the right questions -- for wisdom and discernment. Compassion & forgiveness came naturally. & the right people and lessons always showed up right on time.

During those moments of darkness in the cocoon phase something magical happens. Reconstruction, transformation. It looks beautiful like a butterfly in the end, but the pain of the moment can feel like a never-ending rollercoaster. Afterwards you’re equipped with a whole new set of tools.

That being said, here are some of the tools that help me:

faith >>> believing! any and everything is possible

plant based/vegan diet >>> eating live foods

de-cluttering and detoxing >>> internally and externally

creating >>> cooking, painting, making music

practicing yoga >>> get that energy flowin! bend, don’t break

dancing/writing/singing >>> discovering hidden talents

playing basketball / boxing >>> anger release

deep breathing exercises >>> direct access to the soul

journaling >>> thought organization

being in nature >>> peace

listening to soothing music >>> Brazilian jazz & afro beats

studying herbal medicine & vedic astrology >>> sips chamomile tea 

eating my favorite fruits >>> papaya, mango, pineapple 

playing w/ children >>> connecting w/ your inner child

sleeping when I feel tired >>> letting your body heal & do it’s thing

pulling an all nighter when I feel like creating (following your intuition) 

an attitude of gratitude (look at what I already have, I’m alive)

creating & seeking resources >>>being proactive

troubleshooting & problem solving >>> finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems

holding myself accountable for the situations I create in my life (!!!)

knowing this too shall pass >>> everything is temporary

forgiving your parents >>> they did what they could, with what they had

paying debts >>> past life karma and financial debts

letting go >>> shedding dead weight in order to grow

treating others how I want to be treated >>> self-respect

learning from past mistakes (!!!)

& simply just knowing that I am divine and beautifully made in God’s image & that it’s okay to 100% be you, unapologetically!

What does this list look like for you? I’m interested in what makes us different yet all the same.

I’ve also created a nice little afro-beat mix for you to enjoy and pamper yourself to. Hope you enjoy!

[jofroxi]

JULY/ culinary arts.

In honor of National Culinary Arts Month I whipped up a special vegan curry dish w/ basamati rice. I found the recipe online and tweaked it using the method my mom taught me. If I made a video it would’ve looked something like this but they beat me to it! >>> https://tasty.co/compilation/trinidadian-roti

Heres how mine turned out: I used sweet potato, potato, zuchinni, squash, tomato, fresh basil leaves and then cashew milk as the base for the sauce. No meat or dairy!

ALSO,

My DJ partner FAKE UZUMI & I have fused together as JOZUMI for our monthly party Jambalaya & newest addition Little Ghost Pepper. We whipped up a batch of two special mixes for you to jam to on your way to our events. We hope you enjoy! 

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[jofroxi]

JUNE/ caribbean-american heritage.

In honor of National Caribbean-American Heritage month, I made a mix that features a handful of classic dancehall party hits that I grew up listening to. In my mind 99/00′s was the beginning of my DJ career.

Being a first generation immigrant born in Queen$, New York the culture was all around me. I’d cop the latest soca/dancehall mixtapes on Jamaica Ave or at the roti shops on Liberty. My family was also known for throwing the biggest, baddest bashment parties on our block so my ears were always glued and my hips well in tune. One of many classics, and very nostalgic for me.

So, heres a mix you can jam to in your car, or If you want in on the live action come out to Jhanes on Saturday.

JUNE

22nd - Traptastic’s “Everybody Loves Reggae” | Norfolk, VA

[jofroxi]

MAY/ foster care.

In honor of National Foster Care Month I made a house mix dedicated to anyone who feels lost and needs a little pick me up in the heart and soul. 

This post is late because I’ve had to take some time to get my own house in order, ironically. A secure, loving, and clean home is so important to the health of the members inside. When you nurture and nourish your roots you can literally grow anything. Once developed and off the ground, protect it by any means necessary. 

Home is where the heart is.

Listen to “My House” mix by JOFROXI below:

This photo was taken in my homeland of Trinidad and Tobago by FAMILY @Malik_Issuavee.

Also, monthly party JAMABALAYA has been cancelled this month due to unforeseen circumstances. We will resume activity June 1st.

Thanks for bearing w/ us! Bless

JO

[jofroxi]

APR/ jazz.

In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month I made a mix that contains a jazzy, baile-funky, afro-latina fusion of sounds.

It starts out super smooth with a couple of my favorite tunes to cook +/ paint to.

Heres your fair warning, it gets pretty wild near the end! & it’s still a bit chilly out so this should get your hips movin’.

Mix below:

Painting by yours, truly.

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For more JAMBALAYA and movement, come out to our monthly party Friday, April 6th at The Back (California Burrito)

https://www.facebook.com/events/218858905336148/

[jofroxi]

MAR/ women’s appreciation.

In honor of Women's Appreciation Month, I created a 30min R&B mix called “Lemon” that kicks off with FKJ x Masego’s “Tadow”.

♡

In addition, another friend of mine I’d like to spotlight is Satasha Torres. Amazing artist and mother to a beautiful baby boy. Listen to her latest track “Shy” here below:

♡

The first Paint & Sip Party will be held Mar. 23rd. More info here >>> JOFROXI's Paint & Sip Party <3

Cheers,

JO

[jofroxi]

FEB/ black history.

In honor of Black History Month, Id like to introduce you all to Trinidad Carnival -- an annual celebration of freedom from slavery all throughout the Caribbean islands.

To learn more, watch the VICE documentary below.

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Once you’re done, press play on a very special mixe made by JOFROXI lacing you with some of the baddest soca tunes of 2018.

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& if you still have yet to get your fix, catch a vibe and come out to Feteland! The Ultimate Carnival Send Off party presented by TOC CREW on Feb 3rd. >>>> https://www.facebook.com/events/1779751838997335/

LAST but not least Feb 2nd Jambalaya — a monthly party thrown by JOFROXI & FAKE UZUMI held on the first Friday of each month in Norfolk, VA.

What a kick. See you around!

Cheers to life! Love & light.

JO

[jofroxi]

Love Punch Recipe

Greetings my fellow local and worldwide community.

I’d like to introduce to you a project I’ve been developing based on the restaurant that my family created back in 2012. Island Flavours was a space that nurtured and unified the community via authentic Caribbean food, music and art.

Building upon that legacy, I’ve intertwined my natural born gift as an artist and philanthropist in creating this monthly wellness care package. Recipe below.

To break it down, within a recipe contains many different elements that hit several spots at once. However, each individual ingredient serves it’s own purpose. When each one combines you get a super love punch! That being said, pick your poison or pick all and let it spike through your system like a shot of ginger or simply sip and pace yourself. 

First, I’ll be highlighting a National Monthly Observance of my choice (ex. Breast Cancer Awareness) and tying it in with a 30 minute mix by JOFROXI featuring a special guest DJ.

Next up will be Jambalaya - a monthly Planet Litness party created by me + DJ homie FAKE UZUMI

In addition, the special/wild card will be anything extra to top it off. It can be anywhere from an informative video, announcement, special event + etc… 

Last but not least will be a seasonal Paint & Sip party instructed by me that will occur on the first day of Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter. To wrap it all up, this project is the child I created out of dark and light. As we journey through each month together as a family more details will be provided. After all, it does take a village to raise a child, one step at a time.  I am SUPER stoked to present Love Punch come Feb 1st and I’m really looking forward to an amazing year with you! Love, Jill

[jofroxi]

💎The light at the end of the tunnel is really only the beginning 💎

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