The Big News & The Big Move

 It's shameful how long I have been neglecting this blog but I can finally explain the reasons why . .

drumroll please . . . . 

I finally have a HOME WEBSITE!!!!

It has always been a challenge to explain what I do professionally, now I don't need to bumble and stumble on words to try to summarize.  At long last there is a comprehensive portfolio that demonstrates the various work that I do.  Please stop by the brand spanking new website, Stacie Steensland.com and take a peek.  With the new site comes the new blog and I would love YOUR advice!  I have miraculously managed (please read below) to import all 365 posts here on Pepper & Pikey to the new blog so the question is, do I cease writing here and carry on solely over there?  OR do I keep the Turks and Caicos content; the Field Guide Friday posts, the fundraisers, local events, travel entries, personal news, etc right here and post all TC Millwork projects and work related content on the new blog?   Please post a comment below with your thoughts!

There are many other reasons for my long absence from blogging, a few major life events that I am still grappling with and a few more I am still expecting!  Please read my first post on the new blog below:

 Image via pinterest

 

After weeks of procrastination, months of asking various individuals advice, it's done and I can't believe how simple it was.  My very own website had been a back burner project for many years, it's near completion almost a month ago only demanded resolution of the blog.  I had been blogging via blogger since March of 2010 and loved the user friendliness and comfort of knowing the ropes.  365 posts on Pepper Key Stacie had me torn.  Do I start all over here?  Do I try to transfer the old blog to the new wordpress site?  That sounded like a brilliant idea but many tech savvy people said it would be a nightmare.  So I dragged my feet, and with selling Fleur de Lys Villa, finding a house to rent, packing, moving, all while 8-9 months pregnant, there was plenty to keep busy and distracted from blogging with.  With one week to due date and the last thing to tick off the list, I finally tackled the challenge.  Mind you as of this morning I still had not a clue what to do or where to start but I thought it fitting that today's public holiday here in the Turks and Caicos, the Queen's Official Birthday, was as good a day as any to figure out this royal problem.   By this afternoon, just as I was about to give up, I found my miracle;  "How I Moved My Blogger Blog to Wordpress" and within an hour it was done.  Like magic.  Sure there is some formatting and figuring out to do but all that content is now here!  I feel like The Magic Grinder has just granted my wish.  Thank you Computer Guru!

Wedding Shoot Inspiration Boards

Well Read Rustic Concept Wedding Inspiration

Images via 100layercake, stylemepretty, greenweddingshoes, weddingchicks,

 everythingcoordinated, ohjoy, and pinterest

 Here are a few lovely little inspiration boards I created for an upcoming project I will be collaborating with brilliant on.  Last November Brilliant welcomed two new members to their team of talented photographers; South African born Chanelle and Craig of Segerius-Bruce Photography.  This couple, who clearly have a penchant for travel, have spent the last dozen years perfecting their craft in the UK and beyond.  Chanelle comes from a freelance retouching and graphic design background, working for such clients as the renowned  Mario Testino.  Their skills speak for themselves when you see their work.  I am thrilled they have packed their bags and moved to the Turks and Caicos Islands and am delighted that we will be working together on upcoming photo shoots, both real and  . . . . well, wonderfully realized until some adoring couple breathes life of their own into them!

Caribbean Boheme Concept Wedding Inspiration

 Images via bohocircus, greerloves, stylemepretty, etsy, marthastewart, snippet&ink, birch&bird, kissthegroom, and pinterest

 We hope that these shoots will inspire our clients to let their imaginations run wild when it comes to individualizing their weddings.  The Turks and Caicos Islands have so much more beauty and enchantment to offer couples than our stunning beaches and blue water.  We will be highlighting some of these lesser known gems in terms of locations, local flora and fruits, themes and ideas that reveal the many facets of these islands.

Row to Romance Concept Wedding Inspiration

Images via ilovefarmweddings, pinterest, etsy, heidiniemala, blossomsatlanta, and weddingbee

Guest post on My Sea Story

I am guest posting on My Sea Story today so please head on over there to read a little about what I love about Turks and Caicos.  Joana's blog is lovely, if you have yet to be introduced, here is a little splash.  Joana (isn't she adorable!) writes a wealth of information on travel, for example this charming post on Valladolid, Mexico.

 

 Of all these amazing places she has visited, she has clearly fallen head over heals for Turks and Caicos; the food, the beaches, the diving, the ins and outs of island life.   I am so not a foodie and often visit her blog for great restaurant tips like a few new food spots in provo, and

where 2 go 4 java.

So go get your feet wet over at myseastory, you are sure to find something you fancy!

Oui, Oui Paris!

 I have already posted the US and Canadian legs of our summer holiday, but now it's time to report on the European tail end of the trip . . . . vive la France!  France is the most visited country in the world (79.5 million foreigners welcomed in 2011) and August is known as one of the most popular months for holidaying here in the largest country in Western Europe.  Most Parisians flock to the southern coast themselves, leaving the city relatively empty.  Perfect timing for us traffic hating islanders!  We stayed at the Sourire-de-Montmartre, a beautifully situated bed and breakfast that looked one part Paris, one part Marrakesh.

How grateful we were for a plush bed and pillows and a hot shower to remedy the jetlag!

Breakfast was served each morning in the great room located on the top floor; a scrumptious spread of  fresh fruits, yogurts, jams, sweet cakes, coffee, teas, croissants, and baguettes.  I didn't know at the time that enjoying a typical tea with honey and cream would be a luxury elsewhere in France.

 Montmartre, literally "mountain of the martyr," history dates back to prehistoric times when it is said to have been a Druidic holy place long before the Basilica_of_the_Sacre Coeur was built on the base of the 130 meter peak.

 The neighborhood was favored in the late 19th century by artists including Picasso, Dali, Monet, and Van Gogh.  Many modern filmmakers have chosen the setting for their art as well; La Vie en Rose, Amelie, and  most recently Woody Allen's comedy Midnight in Paris.

 Sacre Coeur is a spectacular sight at night.  Built of travertine stone quarried within France, it will apparently remain white for centuries.

The steps in front of the basilica, the highest point in Paris, are dotted with people admiring the overviews of the city.

Palais Garnier 

The Louvre 

Notre Dame de Paris 

Lover's Locks on the Pont de l'Archevêché

Golden statue from the Alexandre III bridge over the Seine

I am pretty convinced the 4 hours spent standing in line for the Eiffel Tower was worth it, these are  impressive views that greet you at the top.

I would think that visiting at night is a better option due to the city lights in all their many colors, with the added bonus of the post sunset sparkly light show on the tower itself, which is a little Vegas-ey in real life but makes for a quite romantic sepia photograph!

My father and his buddies camped on this very lawn in the early 70's.  Nowadays your only allowed to picnic!

 The Pere_Lachaise_Cemetery was one of my favorite places in all of Paris.  After the memory stick containing these images went missing I spent four weeks mourning their loss when all of a sudden, it reappeared, how is still a mystery (as I ALWAYS remember exactly where I put everything, wink, wink)!  

Navigating the 110 acres is not easy, at least not if you are on a mission to find Jim Morrison's grave or one or two of the hundreds of other famous persons plots.  I would suggest getting familiar with the virtual tour beforehand if you are dead set (no pun intended) on paying your respects to certain sites.

We were perfectly content to get lost in these cobblestone streets and maze of graves.   It is a hauntingly beautiful place, so easy to spend a few hours wandering aimlessly.

The cemetery opened in 1804, the first burial for a five year old girl which was only followed by another 11 burials that year.  By 1830, that number grew to 330,000.   Today, after five expansions, the cemetery holds between 2-3million that have been laid to rest here.

Luxembourg Palace and Gardens

 Arc de Triomphe

And what trip to Paris would not be complete without catching a famous cabaret?  We chose the Moulin Rouge to round out our tour of the Montmartre district and were not disappointed!  Paris was just the beginning of our journey which ultimately spanned over 3,000km, hence the overcharges on the rental car!  We owe a great big merci beaucoup to one Parisian in particular, Veronique your amazing advice and travel links proved priceless!  More to come on France soon . . . .

Beautiful British Columbia

Stanley Park, Vancouvers famous first "greenspace"designated in 1888

The long holiday wasn't intended to be a break from blogging but 8 weeks later here I am finally getting around to this long overdue post!  British Columbia had been on our travel list for years, both as an opportunity to see more of the Pacific Northwest and a chance to visit Stephanes' father in Vancouver. 

White Rock 

Victoria 

Salt Spring Island 

Tofino 

 

 

Pacific Rim National Park 

The famous salmon burger at the wildsidegrill accompanied by a local tasty tofinobrew

 Darwin's Cafe and gardens at the Tofino Botanical Gardens Foundation

Extreme kiteboarding in Squamish, glacier water just below freezing point, rapid currents, and super strong winds make this a place for the diehards . . . so not surprised to meet a fellow Wyomingite getting ready to ride!

Whistler 

 Thompson-Okanagan Valley

Absolutely incredible wining and dining at Quails Gate

Sunset view from the Quails Gate Estate and Winery

Big thanks to Roger (the tireless photographer) and Judy for hosting us in their hometown and sharing their amazing province with us!  We had such an amazing trip; camping, hiking, biking, and marveling at all the beautiful places we hope to someday relive again!