The People the Culture of Jamaica

The entertainment crew gearing up for the afternoon games!
Every night they had a show~~this one has the funniest story! Guys in drag it was sooo funny we laughed til we cried, you see the one there in the red? She (ahem) came down and engulfed my poor husbands face into her bosom..it was hilarious it happened so fast I didn't get a picture of it but I remember how red his face was, yep matched the color of "her" top..he he
The amazing talent of these people, and boy could they dance and move things that should be illegal!
Yes, even Michael Jackson stopped in for the occasion (lol)
Macarena she was so beautiful and kind! She is actually from the Dominican!
What is he doing?
Your kidding me right!?
Don't you wish you could have your drinks served liked this;)
Or maybe like this (lol)
Steel drum band~I believe there were 6 bars this was our favorite with the best bartenders, see the name of it?

The entertainment crew is there to do just that! Entertain! They make people get up and do things you would never imagine! Yes I got suckered in one time! It was really fun though! They work an average of 16 to 18 hours a day! Approximately 6 hours of that is spent dancing, and practicing the rest is spent entertaining the guests! They all had bodies to die for! Maybe I should be dancing instead of being here blogging~~~what a thought!
Not sure what will be up tomorrow perhaps the Dolphin Cove pics;)
French;)

Pool side by day early in the morning before it gets busy~~Save your chair quick!!
Pool side as the sun starts to go down....
You see those lounge chairs built right into the water ...when it got too hot you know where my butt was (lol)
This is probably one of my favorite pictures pool side lit up at night~~breathtaking isn't it!

Everyone is still sleeping so I snuck out onto our balcony and caught the sun rising~~ahhh silence is golden err wait it's blue!!!
Look at the color of the water isn't it amazing!
Have you ever seen water so blue?
Peeking out to the ocean from our breakfast table!
Peeking out again can't stop looking at the view!

I consider myself to be so fortunate to have been able to do this trip with my children! This is the first time we have ever stayed at such a large resort, we usually stay at much smaller ones and although this was truly beautiful and the food was amazing we still prefer the intimacy at the smaller resorts, even the kids said they preferred the last place also!

Tomorrow is all about the people the culture!

Toodles until we meet again!

French;)

Gardens of the Tropics

Fresh flowers on the table in the lobby can anyone tell me what these flowers are?
Did you know that Coconuts turn this yellow color before they become ripe?
Garden Art created by locals all carved by hand with one single piece of wood for each sculpture!
A view of the gardens and the pond which is set in the middle of the resort!

Bird of Paradise the most beautiful flower I have ever seen! It looks like a bird doesn't it!
Just some foliage I thought was beautiful!
I love these palms! Wish I could grow them here!
Can anyone tell me what type of bush this is!
This as the locals called it is " Sleeping princess" when you touch it , it folds onto itself like a Venus flytrap as a protective mechanism it was amazing to see it happen!

There is so much lush greenery all around the resort! Every day they were working on it and because of the size of the resort I was amazed at how impeccable the grounds were! If I could actually do gardening and could have the greenery seen here I might actually want to get into gardening! Thanks to Terrie, Tootsie, Deb and all the ladies which have actually made me become interested in gardening, well at least I appreciate looking at it! Tomorrow it's all about the views and the water!

French;)

Architecture You Say?

Look at the architecture of the hotel itself, view from our room out to the mountains!
The front of the restaurants with all the wood, do you see the greek influence in the molding inside?
The lanterns, the fans, the railing oh such good eye candy!
The lobby, the wrought iron chandeliers, the molding, the woodwork amazing!
An Italian restaurant with faux sky and clouds painted, the iron railing, can you believe this is in the Caribbean?
The stone railing looks so European!

My guess is that because Jamaica is visited by so many European people they have tried to use so many of the influences in the decor at this hotel. Everywhere I looked I could see so many influences, English, French, Greek, Italian etc... Can you believe so many styles in one place? Can you believe that the main color scheme of the outside of this hotel is lilac? The inner parts were mainly peach and sea blue? Who would have thought this combination could work so well....so the journey begins~~~ Hope you all enjoy the trip!!! Tomorrow flowers and gardens of the tropics!
French;)

Vacation and Memories

I honestly don't know where to start because there are so many things I want to share with my blog friends and family so I have decided to try and and take it one day at a time and share one experience at a time....So many of you have influenced the pictures I took without even realizing it! The architecture, the animals, the grounds, the gardens, the decorating and so on so each day I will try to show how each one of you has influenced our trip! Stay tuned! I will do my best to share this wonderful journey with each and every one of you!

French;)

Tagged by Kathy

I was truly humbled and amazed that I was tagged for making someone's day! Kathy over at Have suitcase will travel gave me this award and I would like to sincerely thank her! In turn I am suppose to tag 5 people that make my day but since I have just returned from vacation I will say this .....everyone who I have listed in my friends and even those who do not have blogs that continue to visit me regularly make my day! My little blog started simply because of a friend I met through RMS and you know who you are sweetie! Kelly, Donna, Carol, Linda, and all those who visit regularly, but have no blogs truly make my day! I think that blogging is very time consuming but have managed to make it part of my daily activities and have learned so much from so many people! My sincere thanks to those who take the time to visit and comment on my little piece of the world wide web! Hoping to share some pictures and memories soon of our trip! Hugs to all! Lisa;)

Tagged by Deb

I have been tagged by Deb to share some info so I will give it my best shot! Nothing overly interesting but gives a little insight I guess! Here goes nothing!

Five things I do for myself

1. I get a pedicure at least once every 2 months it's my day out for myself!

2. Pray

3. Watch some reality TV

4. Mind my own business ( you stay out of trouble that way)

5. I give myself facials once a month

Five kind things I do for my friends, child or partner

1. I’m always there when they need me

2. I work at my husbands shop without being paid.

3. I am at the door waiting for my son everyday he gets home from school.

4. I did a complete makeover for a friend without expecting or wanting a dime

5. Give advice in real estate and investing, interior design to those that ask and want my advice for free

Five kind things I have done for a stranger

1. Given directions to a stranger, returned a lost wallet

2. Offered my cell phone to a stranded motorist to call for help

3. I helped a man in a wheelchair get out of a taxi

4. I help people at work everyday sometimes I shave the men or wash the women's hair to help them feel a little normal even if for a day while they are sick and in the hospital

5. Helped a man I didn't know offered him a home a room and food to get back on his feet

Five things I do for fun

1. Cookouts with the neighbors

2. Blog

3. Pay it forward and pay for someones coffee behind me when they don't know me

4. Decorate

5. Travel

I'm back!

It's been crazy hectic, fun and so crazy...so many things to share with you all in time please know I have been thinking of you all and hope to get posting again soon once I get back into the groove of "reality" that is>>>>>(yuk) lol Have tons of pictures to bore you with and a few funny stories too, which I am sure will get at least a chuckle or two!! See you soon! Lisa

"Jamaica Me Crazy"

Well ladies....the time has finally come after 6 months of saving and pinching pennies we are off to our destination...we have been to Jamaica before and explored Montego Bay as well as Negril which are both amazing but this time we are venturing out to the other side of the island to Ocho Rios....we are so looking forward to this well deserved vacation! It is strange going in the summer time though as we usually travel there in the winter..the weather here has been unseasonably warm with record highs of 98 to 101 degrees! (yikes) Looking ahead at the forecast in Jamaica the high's are 85 to 90 each day with the usual rain expected daily since we are going during their rainy season! It matters none because regardless the air there is so clean and fresh and the aura of the island is so captivating and it draws you in... Welcome to Jamaica the island known for some of the most beautiful beaches in the world! I will miss all the blogs and visits from all my blogging friends though;(

I hope everyone stays healthy and enjoys their summer! Toodles for a short while~~~hugs to all~~

Love Lisa and family xoxoxox

Graduation day and a new beginning!

The graduation day, proud boyfriend!!!
Proud Nana and Papa!

Daddy and his little girl! Mommy having a moment!

Can you believe 476 graduates from one school? Yes there she is poor thing last row! (lol) It's alphabetical!
Smiling and oh so proud!
Even her little brother was proud!
What a wonderful day full of smiles, tears, and laughs! To think I have a child going to college!?# OMG! Thank goodness she is staying home for at least a year maybe 2? She is my best friend and confidant, she knows me better then I know myself sometimes....she's the closest thing to a sister I will ever have and I am proud to say she is my Daughter!

Our favorite thing we say to eachother since she was only 2 years old

"Sam I love you bigger then the sky....mommy I love you bigger than the universe"

Cheers, Lisa;)

Graduation day!

Well ladies the time has come! I can't believe my daughter is graduating from High School! I am so proud of her! The day will be filled with lots of tears I am sure! Have to make sure I have plenty of tissues in my purse! I am so happy some of our family came in from Canada to see her! She began to cry when she heard they were coming! Funny because she tries to act so candid about things but she broke down in utter joy when she knew they were coming! I wish my parents could be here too! It's so hard to believe that I have a child starting college in the fall! Special thanks to everyone for making me feel so good about my blog, and being able to teach anything I have learned isn't that what it's all about, sharing learning and having fun!

Cheers,
French;)

Lesson # 7 Lighting~~

For those that have asked most of the information within these lessons were ones I had taken during my Interior Design class....some of them are from articles, some of the information is my own....



The following is from an article found at Better Homes and Gardens!



Picking out a lamp for a room shouldn't be an afterthought. In addition to style, think about the specific task the lamp will perform.

For close-up tasks, look for a lamp that has a narrowly focused beam and is adjustable. Ideally, the light source should be about 15 inches above the work area. The spring-arm lamp is a good choice because it can be raised and lowered, the head swivels as well. When lighting a computer workstation, focus the light so that it isn't reflected in the computer screen.



Bedside Lighting:

It should be bright enough to read by when you're sitting up in bed but soft and flattering when you want to set a romantic mood. In rooms without overhead ambient lighting, bedside lamps also may need to help out with general illumination. A wall mounted swing-arm lamp is ideal for reading and height should be with the shade bottom even with your cheekbone when your sitting up in bed.



Chairside Lighting:

Don't worry about matching lamps precisely to other furnishings. In fact, modern lighting can freshen up a traditional room, just as an antique lamp can add warmth to contemporary decor. With reading lamps, whether floor or tabletop, the bottom of the shade should measure roughly 38 to 42 inches from the floor.



Accent Lighting:

Function isn't everything! Accent lamps come in all shapes and sizes and can add a touch of whimsy or drama to a room. For instance, torcheres can add up lighting as well as ambient lighting. These provide drama by casting shadows on the ceiling and wall.



This will be the last lesson for a while as I am taking some time off! Hope that this information has helped! I am still learning myself! Plenty of reading and studying! For those that visit I truly appreciate it

Lesson #6

The art of good shelf and book case decor and accessorizing.

Most of you are looking at the cross and saying what on earth is she talking about? I thought this was about decorating? It is! The basic and simplest way to explain the concept is by using a cross as your reference point.

So first you take everything off the bookcase shelves, you sit staring at the pile of "stuff" on the floor and wonder how am I going to set this up so it looks most appealing? Then like most of us we end up just piling stuff up on the shelves hoping it finally looks good. We try hard to keep things rather assymetrical never realizing there is a slight "unknown" art to doing this. This is simply the art of following the basic cross guideline.

First, your largest and most prized piece should be at the top of the cross...

Second, your "fillers", books and smaller items on the second shelf...

Third shelf again should repeat something of a similar size to the first shelf but these should be on either end of the shelf rather than the middle, again using the cross as your guideline...

Fourth, and so on continue the pattern, trying to keep in mind size and scale...

Your final look should have the over all look of a "cross"!

This is the best tool for tackling those bookcases and shelving units! Follow these guidelines, try to keep things somewhat symmetrical in appearance. All books can be stood on end or layed down with titles facing outwards...don't be afraid to try and keep colors and sizes of books similar, again always thinking of the balance of the shelves.

Decorating a bookshelf is entirely about balance. While you definitely want to beautifully display the books you have, you should do so with a modicum of poise. The problem that many people face when decorating a bookshelf is that they don't have enough books. Sound familiar? If so, you need to become more creative. Rather than shove all of your books on one shelf, use other accessories to break up the monotony and make the most of the space. Always keeping balance and symmetry in mind. Books are a decorators friend... they are great fillers in so many ways, be it book shelves, coffee tables, mantle accessories, they are perfect for giving height to lamps at the bedside, or height for candle holders to trick the eye into believing they are of varying heights. Large books can also be used as side tables with a simple piece of round glass on the top!

The most important thing to remember is that size, balance and assymetry are the key to good bookcase design, largest items front and center first shelf, items to the far left and right on the third shelf and so on...again I suggest taking pictures, shuffling things around, and view it from the lens of a camera. If you keep these ideas in the back of your mind then the process becomes easier and starts to evolve delicately over time and voila with a slight shuffling it suddenly looks better! Happy shelving everyone and best of luck!

For those that may have any questions regarding this post or any of the others please ask and I will try to answer those questions tomorrow!

Cheers,

Lisa;)

Lesson #5 Patterns and Color continued~~~~

PATTERNS PLACEMENT AND DESIGN

WALLS

• will they be patterned or solid
• small pattern or large
• will it be placed above or below a chair rail

FLOORS

• will they be patterned or solid
• is the floor space large or small
• will there be multiple patterns on rugs, or one as is carpet color

UPHOLSTERY

• will it be patterned or solid
• how large is the piece of furniture, where is it placed
• will it match the other pieces, the walls, identical or coordinate

ACCESSORIES

• will they be mostly accents or fillers
• solids or patterned
• do they carry the color alone

WINDOW TREATMENTS

• style of the treatment
• solid or patterned
• do they blend in or stand out

1. COLOR -the appearance of an object the eye receives when light is reflected from it
2. HUE- The more accurate description of a color by referring to its relationship to its adjacent color.
3. VALUE- How light or dark a color appears (dark blue vs light blue)
4. INTENSITY- How bright or dull a color appears (bright blue vs dull blue)
5. SHADE- A fashion descriptive term including all 3 qualities of color, hue, value & intensity

Colors and hues have certain characteristics known as values, intensities, shades, etc... Strong contrasts of the value or intensity of a color will either work to your advantage or disadvantage. Remember that a sharp contrast in value (light blue to dark blue) or intensity (bright blue to dull blue) will attract the eye. In a very large room, contrasts work well, but in a smaller room, a great deal of contrast will affect it differently. A proper balance of value and intensity (for example: all light, all medium, all dark) will work better and provide your room with a more pleasing aesthetic value.

All of these things play key roles in making a room "feel" better. As well as being more pleasing to the eye. But keep in mind the style of a room plays a bigger factor in working with these elements as well. Also, cool colors vs warm colors...

Tomorrow the secret of good shelving design and the secret the designers don't want you to know....

Arrangement Checklist~~~Lesson #4

Once you have considered the many variations of the arrangement of your room and have narrowed your choices, you closely examine the positioning of pieces according to the following guidelines. Most of these are just good common sense, however, they are quite easily forgotten.

1. Examine the location of all outlets. Are they convenient for lights, TV, etc?...

2. Has the traffic flow been interrupted? Identify primary and secondary zones. Sometimes this is a necessary evil, but should be avoided if possible.

3. Does every seated person have access to a table top surface? All tables do not need to be very large. A small occasional table, as well as a hearth or bookcase or shelf, will do.

4. Does every seated person have access to a light or lamp? Not everyone in the room will read at the same time and the best lighted seats often have to be shared. In most cases (other than specific duties) general overhead lighting will suffice.

5. Can most everyone view the television without much difficulty? Generally, for most room-size screens, a distance of 8-12 feet is good but 5 to 7 is best.

6. Is there adequate or too much distance within the conversation group? Generally 10 feet is comfortable for normal conversation.

7. Is there good balance between legs and skirts? A room with all legs seems to float and a room with all skirts will seem heavy and weighted down.

8. Finally, are there any specific requests or tasks you wish this room to perform? If so, does it?

These things may seem trivial but when looking for the best arrangement these hints can play a key role in fine tuning a space. For example, lamps are great at the side of a sofa or bed, but if unreachable without stretching it's an easy fix to make a slight move.
Photographs are also key in seeing what you can fix...sometimes an image gives a "better" view to the owner and allows them to see what may need to be changed or adjusted;)
Cheers, French;)

Lesson #3 Accessories

The unique decorative accessories of a room contribute to its character and color scheme. They utilize space, arouse curiosity, and express interest to the OWNER! Accessorizing is best accomplished only after the majority of furniture is in place. Creating an individual look or personal touch to your room is finalized with the introduction of accessories. Most of these are found in one or two categories:

1. Those pieces and accents that fill in spaces on table tops and other surfaces;

2. Those that we would hang such as pictures or "what nots" to fill in bare wall spots.

Choosing the correct accessory for a spot in your home or room involves a series of evaluations to determine its compatibility within you interior! Use the following chart to aid in evaluating the appropriateness of the perspective piece.

1.Does the color blend well? (floral arrangements, accent pieces, throw pillows) Is it a strong accent color or does it blend well with surrounding colors and areas.

2.If the piece is patterned (lamp, picture, ceramic vase, or bowl) will this pattern fight with an adjacent wallpaper, drapery, or upholstery fabric? Do the colors within the pattern complement your chosen color scheme?

3. Compare the size of the chosen accessory (statues, candlesticks, sculptures) with the space you have designated. Is it either too large or too small? Does it blend well with the size of adjacent pieces by not overpowering or dwarfing them?

4. If it is a functioning accessory (ashtray, coaster, decanter, and glasses) is it easily accessible? Is it easily cleaned and located in its most probable location?

5. If choosing books or magazines either for a wall unit, book shelf, ot etagere, will they be placed on both sides of the furniture from the left to right and to top and bottom? For a coffee table, are the covers or jackets of these books or magazines neat in appearance?

6. Is there good balance of texture of your accessories, from smooth to rough, from bright to dull, from flat to glossy or shiny?

7. Do the accessories convey the style you have chosen for the room? Are they formal enough, or too formal, or too casual? Do they fit in well with the style of the other pieces?

8. Do the accessories chosen make a statement? Do they belong to a collection? Do they convey the mood or feeling you want within YOUR room?

After careful consideration and examination of the accessories you might choose for your room, remember that each item is an individual and the final choice will be your own personal preference. You should choose those pieces that you prefer, that you enjoy looking at, that exemplifies YOUR own style and personality and that of your home!

Wall accessories

Primary and dominant walls

2nd and 3rd zones

Surface areas

Suddivision of 3 sizes

Small, medium, large also

Tall, Average, short