Conch Festival 2011

As these fantastic photos by tropical imaging demonstrate, the 8th Annual Conch Festival was a day full of delicious food, lively music, and  Turks and Caicos culture!  Congratulations to this years grand champions, Hemingway's who finally managed to take the title from five year running previous title holders bay-bistro.

Black Friday Bargain

Months ago I spied these completely incredible antique mirrored Currey-and-Company-Napoli-Wall-Sconces at one of my favorite local boutiques, It's Stuff Consignment shop.  I knew the retail price was way out of budget but kept them in the back of my mind.  On my last visit I was quite surprised to see them still sitting in the shop.  With a bright idea of how these two lovelies could add some elegance to the Sisal Suite at Fleur de Lys Villa, I made an offer.  The shopkeeper said she would get back to me after getting in touch with the owner. 

On Black Friday I received the great news that the offer was accepted and I could pick up my purchase.  I am so pleased with my Black Friday bargain having paid half the price for the pair as one sconce purchased retail and landed.  They are pretty AND practical.  No more having to set aside the lamps every time the bi-fold windows are opened or shut. 

Did you have any success finding a black Friday bargain? If you find yourself on island and looking for unusual, unique, or antique wares, please stop by It's Stuff, located in the Marketplace across from the downtown First Caribbean Branch on Leeward Highway.  You might just find the perfect Christmas gift amongst all the treasures!

We are off to the 8th annual Turks and Caicos Conch Festival in Blue Hills to eat, greet, and be merry!  If your are here, you should really be there! It is one of the best not to be missed events of the year!  Please click here for the schedule of events and more information.

Field Guide Fridays - Migratory Bird Press Release

Kestrel falcon or sparrowhawk

All images taken at Fleur de Lys

At Fleur de Lys Villa we are fortunate to see many different species of birds on a daily basis.  The nationally protected reserve which borders the villa property is just one of many throughout the country.  In the Turks and Caicos Islands birds are protected by law.  The DECR has just wrapped up an especially active month of bird monitoring:

"The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) has been collecting data on just how important our natural habitats are to migratory birds. . . . The data generated while DECR conducts these activities is sent back to SCSCB, who will process it along with similar regional data. When combined, this gives us a good idea of which birds are moving through which areas, when. This is especially important because many of these birds are under pressure in part of their range, either by habitat destruction or other danger."

Please read the full press release here.

Gray_Kingbird

Great Egret, Ardea Alba

Lovebird?

The above species needs identified, if you recognize it, please post a message!  Identifying birds is most often about sight; identifying it's characteristics including size, shape, coloring, movement, and flight pattern.  But this very special species below can easily be identified by it's unique call.  Take a listen . . .

The West Indian Whistling Duck is an endangered species that is globally threatened.  If you have heard this beautiful call, consider yourself very fortunate for this is not only a rare bird, but one of the less vocal species of ducks.  Please visit scscb to find out more about Caribbean birds and how to help.  Please log all your bird sightings on ebird.org to assist keeping this species and many more alive and well.

Happy Thanksgiving

Image via posters-for-good

Though it is not a holiday here in the Turks and Caicos Islands, today and everyday there is always reason to give thanks.  For those that are here on holliday and desire to keep tradition, check out mouthwatering recipes/ Caribbean Thanksgiving Ideas here.    

Image via happyclippings

Wednesday Woodworks - Dining Rooms, Rustic

Whitewashed and beachy chic dining room from skonahem via greigedesign

Now that we have seen custom woodworks gracing refined dining areas, it's time to take a look at more rustic applications.  The simplicity of the above room is engulfed in craftmanship; timber floors, timber beam open rafter ceiling, and architecturally shaped windows letting in all that lovely natural light.

Image via mydesignchic

Another architectually shaped set of windows and central door open to this rustic plank table and muslin covered chairs dining room.  The wild succulent centerpieces add life to this gorgeous table.

Petra Bindel for British Elle Decor from style-files. via keenandfitting

Mismatched wood chairs, petite drop leaf table, and a quirky corner cabinet amongst a collection of muted art and diverse collectables make this a charming little dining nook.

Stylist James Leland Day via desiretoinspire.net

A modern nod to rustic, great balance of warm woods to shiny metals.  If your like me and love the marbled caramel color of this table, see the above link for an entire house full of similair deliciousness.

Another desiretoinspire of the tabernacle-tearoom

This dining room eats, breathes, and lives wood; it's EVERYWHERE! I would like to have a cup o' tea and slice of cake here one day.

Rough-hewn floors and exposed beams in this barn conversion, moved from Canada to Connecticut.
Above image and below quotations from styleathome, who recently profiled bloggers-fave-fall-design-trends

Lia Fagan, modnest 

"Wood is the ultimate neutral. Not only does it work with just about everything, but it never fails to add warmth to a room. Few spaces feel complete without the presence of this element. It doesn't always have to come in the form of flooring, furniture or cabinetry. Introducing hits of natural wood through your accessories and lighting is an unexpected way to embrace this versatile material."
Lia Fagan is the designer behind Mod Pieces, an online boutique featuring restyled vintage lighting. When she's not in her studio, she's teaching others how to "design outside the lines" on her blog, Mod Nest.

Ashlyn, pineconeplace

"My favourite fall trend for 2011 is wood. Touches of wood can cozy up any decorating style, especially a modern style with lots of white."
Ashlyn loves to share fresh decorating ideas, recipes, DIY, and photos... things that relate to home and family. You can follow her on her blog, Pinecone

Megan, nutmegandcompany

"This year, I've found that we've been using natural wood so much more in our home. I've always loved white-painted trim and paneling but now I also love the rustic, natural patina raw wood adds to a space. I also really like the idea of using recycled, aged wood for the warmth and history it brings to a space. When we renovated our son's room, we used recycled barn board to add that warmth. I've also seen lots of wood projects using materials that would otherwise go to waste - old crates and boxes, pallets, log stools. It's an eco-friendly and inexpensive way to add a designer trend to your decor."
Megan is a design loving blogger who owns a construction company with her husband, as well as her blog, Nutmeg and Company. Megan and her husband recently bought a historical home in Wortley Village in London, Ontario and are renovating and decorating every square inch for our family.

ECGYC Third Anniversary Party and TCI Red Cross Market Today

This evening please support our TCI youth at the Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre for their 3rd Anniversary Party.  I have had the great pleasure of witnessing many of their performances such as this over the last three years and they never disappoint.   Please see the press release below for more information.

Black History Performance

Captivated members of the audience during the Cultural Explosion Performance

"The Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre will be hosting an Open Evening and 3rd year anniversary party from 5-7pm on Saturday 12th November 2011. There will be complimentary tours of the Centre showcasing the wide range of activities the Centre has to offer; performances by youth centre members; a fashion show choreographed by our program director, Charrish Ferguson, along with an appearance by the amazing TCI Youth Chorale. Light refreshments will be provided and all members of the public are welcome. Please come out and lend your support to the Centre and let us show you all that has been accomplished since its opening on November 8th 2008. The Centre is located behind Butterfield Suppermarket between Shining Star School and the Community College, Downtown, Providenciales. For more information contact Director, Roxann Wake-Forbes on 331-9602 or via email Roxann@tciyouthcentre.tc.     We look forward to seeing you there!"



Also, be sure to stop by the TCI Red Cross Farmers Market for fresh local produce and a variety of goodies.  Last week I picked up sweet potatoes, cornmeal mix, and a pumpkin, all of which were delicious. 

Locally grown and handmade, think global and buy local!

Wednesday Woodworks - Dining Rooms, Refined

Image via greige design

Dining rooms are a perfect place to profile fine woodworking.  This ebony stained hardwood floor creates a distinctive contrast to the larger than life windows that bathe this beautiful dining room in natural light.

Image via pinterest

These curvey ballisters are a lovely detail, as is the rich walnut hardwood flooring we only catch a glimpse of.  J'adore the combination of raw wood table base with the sleek and sophisticated marble table top.

Image via desiretoinspire

This black and white beauty features high gloss lacquered hardwood floors, an incredible antique mantelpiece, top and bottom tailored trim, and a show stealing architectual moulding over the arched hallway.

Image via countryliving

A softer and simpler version of a refined dining room; coffeebean hardwood flooring, vintage restored mix and match chairs, and a charming custom cabinet to display favorite dishes.

Image via houseofturquoise

White wainscoting and crown moulding set the scene in this nicely narrow dining room.  The warm walnut dining table creates a perfect focus point for the space.

savio firmino dining room

This dashing dining room comes across as equally elegant as cozy.  The oversize mirror frame, floor to ceiling wood wall panelling, and interesting window detailing make this an unforgettable space.

Image via mydesignchic

This is an islandy take on a refined dining room featuring skinny planked hardwood flooring, bamboo director's chairs (see the above link for many more), and a uniquely framed ceiling which this image is a terrible tease.

Image via renovateanddecorate

As much as the previous image is a ceiling tease, this image will not leave one hanging from the bright white rafters.  Talk about a giant light bounce for a much deserving room.

Image via tomscheerer

This has to be one of my favorite dining rooms of all time.  The carved pedestal table base is iconic if indeed wood.  The built-in mirror frame nestled in wood paneling, neighboring arched french glass paneled doors opening up to what the decorative greenery alludes to, most likely a gorgeous garden.  Sigh . . . . .

Operation Bloo!

The Turks and Caicos Islands are home to many animal lovers but few as great as my close friend Eliza.  Eliza has a heart as big as the ocean and is a philanthropist for so many amazing causes; tcspca, potcakeplace, Provo Children's Home, and caracol childrens home just to name a few.  This incredible woman has selflessly devoted much of her life to helping others and today she needs help to save somebody close to her.  Please take a moment to visit operationbloo and if you have a little spare change

please consider to chipin by making a donation here.

Best of luck to Bloo from Pepper & Pikey!