Monday, April 2, 2012

Off to Cuba for some sun, fun and rum.....

I finally thought it was time to get away and enjoy some of the hot sun in the islands so off to Cuba we went.
Sunset from the plane

Aside from relaxing, reading and just taking it easy, I did manage to visit some small, local towns along the way and saw first hand how the local people live and enjoy their wonderful hospitality.

We hired a driver for the day and off we went to Remedios a historic town founded in 1515 by the Spanish to experience what the 'real' Cuba was like and to see the many old buildings. On the way, we passed through Cai I love taking photos of old architecture.  Here are some of my photos.....baraien, a small fishing village founded in 1832

 On the causeway to the mainland for some sightseeing and local hospitality
 Some of the beautiful buildings in Caibarien, Cuba
Large statue of a Crab which is the symbol of the town




We then proceeded a little further to the larger  town of Remedios which houses two of the oldest churches in Cuba in the main square.  The main attraction of this plaza is the colonial Grand Church called "Iglesia Mayor" San Juan Bautista containing 13 beautifully decorated gold altars. On the north side of the square sits the town's other church, Iglesia Buen Viaje, the less fortunate. Remedios is the only town in Cuba with two churches on its main square

 Inside the grand alter is comprised of gold leaf entirely 
 A view of the side wall with a traditional pulpit for sermons
 Anything in this church that is the colour of gold was gold leaf

 A view of the vaulted ceiling
 View from alter to back of church with its simple rows of pews
And now for my collection of doors... I love old architecture and always take photos of doors, windows and old buildings


A peek inside one of the town's historical hotels

A very old but working pharmacy - people were lined up to pick up their medications
An old neglected Grotto
Moi & hubby

The Town Square Park
 Casa Colonial La Paloma, Remedios - a lovely B & B where we were treated like royalty and had the most amazing seafood platter along with other traditional Cuban fare.  This home in the centre of town, across from the town square has been in the owner's family prior to it becoming a
B & B.



 

 Enjoying a local traditional Cuban lunch with friends

 Our host family
Back to our lovely resort - the complete antithesis of Remedios
Our last evening enjoying a wonderful seafood dinner
Our trip to the airport via bus took 90 minutes and we passed some typical cuban homes.  It really depicts just how much poverty here is in this country.   
 Some of my photos will appear blurry as the bus was moving and it was raining.  And then there is that little detail that I do not take great photos anyway.....


















Finally, we are at the Santa Maria Airport in Santa Clara which can only accommodate 2 airplanes at one time due to its diminutive size







Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Hamilton Home Show

This past weekend 12 Interior decorators from CDECA's GTA West Chapter participated in the Hamilton Home Show www.thehomeshow.ca.  We created a lovely spring time booth with a theme of exotic, natural and lots of colour, incorporating the Pantone Colour of the Year Tangerine Tango.
We also participated in another segment of the show where we offered free decorating advise to visitors.  All in all it was a great weekend.  On Friday morning I was interviewed by CHCH TV about our presence in the show.  My interview can be seen if  you go to:  www.chch.com and click on Morning Show blog for Friday. It is about 2/3rds into the segment.
Photos of our Booth...
A special thanks goes out to those who loaned us the items for our booth -
Arlene Lasky - Original Art - acrylic on canvas, Brantford
Jack Jackowetz - Fine Art Print, Brantford
Glenhyrst Art Gallery - Rental/Sales - Karen Bell, Brantford
St. George Draperies - Custom lumbar cushions, Brantford
About Living Rooms - Home Furnishings which included black urns, green vases, round table, metal bowl, Brantford
Carl & Dale from Speers Rd Broadloom in Oakville for the fab Animal Print carpet
Wicker Emporium in Oakville for the chairs, cabinet, lamp, vaae with sticks & florals
Mel at Exotic Wood in Burlington for the great custom made wood tabletop




Interior Design Show (IDS) 2012 Gala

Every year there is a Gala on the Thursday night before the opening of IDS on Friday. It is so much fun and all the designers, decorators and everybody else is there checking out the booths and enjoying great food and beverages. It is a great way to mingle, meet friends and really see the different booths and get some great shots. This year I stayed in the city which made it nice and simple for attending the show the next morning.
Here we are - a group of decorators all dressed up and ready to party...
Some of the great products we saw this year
Orange cabinetry
Great light fixture
 Anybody who knows me, knows this is my kind of storage!
Interesting vessel sinks



And to keep you warm.....



Interesting....
Alfred did up orange for this year's display
Unusual and beautiful light fixtures
Made with ribbons

Calm space from Gresham House




More sinks...