Upstaging Coffee, Buying the Caribbean, and more...

We've made it! It's the first day of a brand new year and it feels so good already! 2007 may still be fresh in some folks' minds, but not me. I'm welcoming the New with wide open arms. Along with the fresh 08 vibes that are already circulating, there are some spanking new trends and happenings that can't be left unnoticed. Lawd have mercy - One day in and already we've got trends to disseminate & discuss, eh... First up, Buying the Caribbean. Is it even possible to 'buy' the Caribbean, or at least to buy a little chunk of paradise to call your own? Apparently it is, and a few enterprising Real Estate companies are taking full advantage of this new craze. It's one thing to be a Mick Jagger or a Brian Lara and to say to yourself 'Well, don't I deserve some peace & privacy? Damn it - I'm going to buy my own Isle!' Look at Virgin's Sir Richard Branson; he owns the BVI's Necker Island, for instance. But what about the not-so-average joe, who may not be a superstar but may have some pretty pennies socked away somewhere - what are the options for them? Well, they can now 'rent or buy' their own portion of The British Virgin Islands, Tortola, or even Turks & Caicos. Take after Sir Richard and check out the idyllic and private Guana Island in the BVI (Pictured here, courtesy privateislandonline.com) Check www.guana.com for the details.

Another brand new happening for 08 involves the Upstaging of Coffee by Guayakí. The makers of authentic Yerba Mate claims that their brews promote mental clarity, sustained and increased energy levels, eliminates bad breath (never heard of coffee doing that!) aids in weight control, and in bodily elimination. It's also a natural antioxidant and includes a full round of the top vitamins, minerals, amino acids and naturally occuring caffeine. So its really a kick of a quick fix that does wonders for your health. You can't really argue with that or ask for more, can you? Here's more from Style.com to make you a believer: 'The powerful potion is a traditional tealike beverage made from the dried leaves of a yerba maté tree—the loose leaves are combined with hot water inside a hollowed-out gourd and drunk through a "bombilla," or filtered straw. Devotees swear by the mineral- and nutrient-packed brew for energy and weight loss. Even better, the sustainble company Guayakí, which sells a wide variety of yerba maté products, is carbon-neutral, solar-powered, and supports a wide range of local programs and projects in the South American rain forests, where the yerba maté tree is grown.' To purchase or get more info, check www.guyaki.com

Finally, we can all get in shape for 08 using the fitness system those Victoria Secret Angels apparently use - the Hoebel Fusion Capoeria. Designed by instructor Brett Hoebel, this form of the classic Brazilian martial arts fight/dance takes keep-fit to an entirely new level. Imagine toning up the needed areas with flips, kicks, lunges and swoops - that's some high sh$t right there! Now, not to scare the uninitiated, there are variations for folks who may not be into the gravity defying antics. According to his website www.hoebel.com, Brett has 'created reVamp®, a highly personalized lifestyle-fitness program, urbanmotion®, a series of cutting-edge group fitness classes and fitnessBrasil™, a group exercise program that fuses the Afro-Brazilian martial art capoeira with yoga, kickboxing and conditioning. Each program has helped transform people's lives through mindful, healthy & empowered living.' So there are alternate versions of the art form/fitness routine for everyone!

Isn't it a good time to try new things?

L.M.N.Harris.