Headin' Off

* Passport 
* Ticket
* Nice and Warm Summer Clothes
* Sandals
* Beauty Essentials
* Camera
* iPhone with maps loaded
* Broadway Bookings
* List of Things to Do and See
* Shopping List
* List of "Best Thing I Ever Ate" Restaurants in NYC 
* Two Amazing One of a Kind Girls

Now that my list has been officially and completely checked off it is time to get headed on our trip ...tomorrow!!

 Hello New York City, goodbye Barbados!

Kimberly*

Image: via Pinterest 

Scarlett Me

In Love with this image and outfit. It was captured by Reyes Marbella and featured on Zara People. I love the combination of nudes with the navy blue accents, not to mention the stunning scarlett Chloe bag. 

Happy Friday! 

Kimberly*

Image: Reyes Marbella

Details that Make All The Difference.

An organized, functional and trendy kitchen is what everyone wants right? Below are some tips (thanks to Ina Garten) to making a kitchen all of the above and more.

 A deep and wide sink with no partitions is ideal + sponges can be stored behind the scenes.

 Sink inserts like the above cutting board and draining rack make life easy. Also, a tall sink faucet is desirable, allowing the the tallest pots to fit under without a hassle.

 Separate crocks to organize stainless steel and wooden utensils avoid the stress of digging for the desired piece.

Place your recipes/ recipe books in some kind of clear booklet or bag so any spills will not damage them.

No longer will you have to get on your hands and knees to spot and reach your pots with these pull-out deep drawers.

 Open shelves are a trendy and easy way to access anything, just ensure you group like objects to avoid the problem of confusion and clutter.

 Decanting your spices into uniform jars with labels makes life simple and fast.

This oversized basket will store all your large items (that cannot fit into cupboards) whilst making them easily accessible.

So always remember to think about the little things that can make a huge difference in your life.

Kimberly*

Images: Beautiful House

Refresher

Summer had officially arrived. Yesterday was the summer solstice or the day where the sun appears to "stand still" as it has now reached as far North as it will get. I know in Barbados we basically have summer weather all year round but the feeling is different! Summer is coupled with long days at the beach and longer nights making memories. It is filled with the lingering scent of sunscreen and Jägermeister and surrounded by the sounds of 'Crop Over'  music coming from every which way direction.   I remember how ecstatic I used to be for summer to arrive when I lived in TO, dying to get to the sun soaked beach. For all those still away but coming home any minute and those soon going summer holidaying, I think it is time for a little celebration.

This basil and mint lemonade I found on Taste and Tell Blog looks insanely refreshing, delicious and has summer written all over it! I love lemonade on its own so I can only image the additional flavours of basil and mint (two of my favourite herbs). Nothing would go down better on a hot and sunny day. If you want to add a little spike to it, a shot or two of vodka would work perfectly! 

Here's to Summer 2011.

Kimberly*

Images: taste and tell blog

Going To Great Lengths

Right now I am having very much of a craving for a sheer, pleated, maxi skirt.They are so ballerina-esque and pretty! These maxi skirts immediately bring to mind the peasant skirt that (what was it, 6 years ago) where a massive trend. However, these new and improved maxis are the updated and much more chic and sleek version of the long ago peasant skirt.  My eyes are are on either a blush pink or champagne coloured one, but then again I won't mind a turquoise or ivy green one either.. Fingers crossed I find one in NYC.

Kimberly*

Images:Stylescrapbook&garypeppervintage; Chloe; Michael Kors; Asos; GaryPepperVintage; H&M; H&M; Atlantic pacific.blogspot;  LovelyPeppaBlog; 

A Match Made in Heaven + a little

What pairs better than a film and simply satisfying pOpcorn?..Nothing! There are so many ways you can dress it up or down to suit your taste, (from a little french sea salt and cracked black pepper, to a dash of hungarian paprika, to a sprinkle of cinnamon-- just be creative!).  Plus, let us not forget the added bonus of low calorific value and health! According to scientists, popcorn is the latest and most unlikely food to have shown health boosting characteristics. US chemist, Dr. Joe Vinson discovered that the kernels have "surprisingly large" quantities of the healthy antioxidant plant chemicals called polyphenols. This antioxidant is known to protect the heart and reduce the risk of cancer. When his research team studied the kernel and compared it to levels of Polyphenols in other foods such as cereal, popcorn won the race without a sweat- cereal contained 0.003%- 0.5% while popcorn contained 2.5%!

So when we are next watching a show whether it be a classic film or the latest episode of Grey's, lets not forget to pop.

Kimberly*

Image: Delicooks

Single Digits!

Well single digits have now approached us! Nine days until the Big Apple!!

Kimberly*

Image: Charles C. Ebbets

For the Love of Books

There is just something cozy and warm about floor to ceiling built-in book shelves. Whether you are placing them in your office, kitchen or living room, they bring such character and old world charm to your home. This is especially true when you throw in a few miscellaneous objects between, above or even under the books themselves. 

Kimberly*


Images: Melanie Acevedo, Southern Accents, gps, Architectural Digest, John Barman Inc Design, Country Living, House and Garden, Better Homes and Gardens, & Lonny Mag. 

Westwood Meets Recycled

Back in January 2010, Vivienne Westwood in collaboration with the International Trade Centre launched  an Ethical African Fashion Project. This project introduced three styles of shopper bags handmade in Nairobi out of 100% recycled materials. The project was a hit and the bags sold out in a heartbeat. Already environmentally conscious, Vivienne and her team created these bags from used materials such as tent cottons, electrical wiring and plastic bags and were not only "working with whatever was available and finding solutions" but also "working with various communities with difference skills and resources." (Westwood, 2011)

Now, just in time for summer holidaying and many many beach trips, Vivienne has decided to extend her collection to include weekenders, clutches, mens shoppers, and printed iPad and laptop cases. Her whole collection can be found exclusively on the eco-friendly shopping site, yoox.com.

Kimberly*

Image:Liam Goodman

Eating Rustic

So Saturday turned out to be a beautiful day after all, however I did not end up going to the beach because by the time the sun decided to grace us with his presence I had already begun making thin crust pizza for lunch. This pizza turned out in my favour and was pretty easy to make as well. Below are a few snaps I captured along with the recipe.

Baked Pizza Dough brushed with  Garlic and Thyme Infused Olive Oil

 Marinara Sauce

Crust with Marinara 

My Topping - Feta Cheese

Dane's Topping Request- "Bacon NO FETA"

Finished Product

Kimberly*

Words of Wisdom*

This morning was an extra-ordinary Tuesday morning! Two incredible situations occurred simultaneously that only have one answer: the power of prayer. Firstly, on Sunday night I misplaced a very expensive and sentimental item and the worst part  was - IT DID NOT BELONG TO ME! This Tuesday morning this item literally appeared in the bottom of my handbag. Secondly, for a while now one of my family members and best friends have been struggling with a certain situation. This Tuesday morning I received a call that has the potential to change a great deal!

Nothing is too big or too small to pray for and as Mahatma Gandhi once said "prayer is the most potent instrument for action".

Kimberly*

Image: silhouette dreams (edited by me)

Come Again Another Day

Well, all week here in Barbados it has been incredibly hot and sunny. All of these (hot and sunny) days were spent in the office doing research! Today, I planned to spend the day at the Crane, have lunch and relax...but of course guess who shows up!? RAIN!

So rain - come again another day (preferably not on my very treasured weekend).

On another note, aren't those sunglasses just perfect!

Kimberly*

Image: Via Julia

A Little Taste

One of my New Year's Resolutions this year was to grow an organic vegetable/herb garden. I love the taste and feeling of eating vegetables that I know are fresh and pesticide free. Plus, not only does this method of eating have an extremely low carbon footprint and add great flavour to food, but it does not hurt the pocket either. Below is a little taste of my garden:

Oregano

Thyme

Basil

Dill

Cilantro

Rosemary

Sage

Mint

Rocket Lettuce

Ruby Red Lettuce

Empire Lettuce

Plum Tomatoes

Cherry Tomatoes

And of course I could not leave out my handsome helper

Hope everyone enjoys their long weekend here in Barbados...I sure will!

Kimberly*