Category Archives: local

Island Life & Times I-Pad Magazine

The Caribbean's only I-Pad Magazine

The Caribbean’s only I-Pad Magazine

Anyone who has ever had a substantial conversation with Andy Mann recognizes that this is a guy who has a real passion for the Turks and Caicos Islands and is a virtual idea factory when it comes to owning and operating his business.  So when he hinted at “something big” in the works last year I pressed for more info and he divulged his latest “brilliant” brainchild.  I nearly couldn’t believe my ears; an interactive cutting edge I-Pad magazine filled with jaw dropping images and video footage illustrating an insider’s guide to the Turks and Caicos.  Amazing and ambitious idea indeed. . . . so ambitious I thought at the time that I wasn’t quite convinced it could or would come to fruition.
Image from Island Life and Times facebook page

Image from Island Life and Times facebook page

I attended the launch party in October and could not have been more impressed; the photography, the stories, the insight, the interactive navigation.  This is one cool, contemporary read.  I am extremely proud of Andy and his entire team, I spent that evening feeling very fortunate to work alongside these fine folks regularly. 
Image from Island Life and Times facebook page

Image from Island Life and Times facebook page

If you have an I-Pad and you haven’t seen any of the four issues as of yet, you are missing out!  Read about it here, download it here, did I mention all this awesomeness is absolutely FREE?!  Go!!

Saving Grace

In July I had the great pleasure of styling for a brand new build nestled into Leewards exclusive little neighborhood bay.  What a location!  We watched this home take shape block by block over the last year and knowing COAST architects were behind the design, we knew it would be sure to impress.  Sure enough, feast your eyes on these gorgeous images by Steve Passmore.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

I loved the dark rich wood floors featured throughout the house as well as the window and door detailing.  The textured fabric chandelier added a cozy glow to the Master Bedroom.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

The Master Bath was one of the most spectacular rooms of the house.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Imagine sinking into this grand bathtub and looking out to this view.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Because of the well conceived orientation of the home the views are a prominent feature throughout the house.  Everywhere one turned that famous Turks and Caicos turquoise beckoned.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

How could one work with this enticing sight!  The lovely owner, a Caribbean loving Canadian, must have had the same thought as she designated this room to be multi-purpose; art studio, massage room, study, whatever the nature of the day demands.

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

The foyer is a great introduction to the house, the rich wood floors meet your feet and contemporary, earthy furnishings greet just beyond the door.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

The kitchen is so spacious it begs to be the center of family and friends gathering place.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Dining options abound, no wonder the countertop acts as a giant cutting board!
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

The living room conceals it’s flat screen television as a reflective mirror.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

I adored these distressed vintage looking letters, much more so knowing that they represent the first letters of each of the owners childrens names.  Quite the monogram but the SEA that lies just beyond this house . . .
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

quite spectacular.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

The location, the house, the pool, the beach makes for one completely stunning package so it’s no wonder a buyer fell in love with this house instantly, snatching it off the market in record time.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Luckily I had the chance to style for one amazing wedding here on October 27th, I’ll share those images soon!
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Field Guide Friday – Butterfly Weed

Images via B. Naqqi Manco
Asclepias Curassavica, locally known as butterfly weed, is a flowering plant in the milkweed family, Asclepiadaceae.  As one would guess, the sap of this plant is milky (and rumored to be poisonous, especially damaging to the eyes).  It’s local name references it’s attractiveness to butterflies, as well as birds and bees, who like to visit the blossoms.  It is a nice addition to a flower garden, typically growing 2-4′ tall and flowering from spring until fall.  I love the wispy nature of these flyaway seed pods, so pretty!

Field Guide Friday – Golden and Yellow Poinciana

 Above and below image of the Golden Poinciana via B. Naqqi Manco
Many of us living in Turks and Caicos would recognize the Flamboyant or Royal Poinciana, Delonix Regia.  Locally known as the Flame Tree for good reason; with it’s fiery crimson colored masses of flowers in full bloom, this stop in your tracks striking tree is highly conspicuous.  But it’s yellow flowering sisters, the Golden Poinciana, Delonix Regia var. Golden, and Yellow Poinciana, Delonix Regia var. Flavida are far more rare.

Delonix Regia originated in Madagascar’s dry deciduous forests but it’s great beauty soon had it spreading to any tropical or subtropical region that could sustain it.  In the Caribbean one should begin to see blooms in May, lasting through to September.  The rest of the year the tree is a far cry from it’s former glory, looking rather gaunt but easily recognizable with it’s grey smooth branches forming a natural umbrella canopy, feathery fern or mimosa looking leaves, and relatively large, long dark seedpods.

I caught sight of a Yellow Poinciana while doing a site visit at a clients in 2010, the first and last I have ever seen locally.   Above you can see a comparison between the Royal on the right to the Yellow on the left.  Incredible how overpowering the blooms are on the Royal, and how sparse they are on the Yellow, despite the two trees being approximately the same height and likely planted at the same time and maintained in the same fashion.

So what’s your favorite?

13th Annual Valentine’s Day Cup

Image via brilliant
We missed attending this years 13th annual Valentine’s Day Cup in Middle Caicos but luckily Brilliant didn’t!  Anita and Chanelle captured all the fun and festivity with flying colors, please see their blog posts Part I and Part  II for a picture perfect recap.  To see more of North and Middle Caicos and the Cup festivities, check out last years post here.  To view the race results click here.