Love Design Barbados *

Stay Tuned!

2016-02-01T10:19:00.000-04:00

We have been very busy recently working on some exciting projects. We cannot wait to start back blogging and share what we have been working on.

Stay tuned!

P.S We are still posting on Instagram so follow us there for some sneak peeks :) Xo

Anonymous Art Show for Charity

2015-12-11T15:21:00.000-04:00

A few months ago Kelly from The Frame & Art Co told me about the idea of an "Anonymous Art Show" which artist, Corrie Scott had come up with. I personally thought it was a fantastic idea and was excited for the show. My excitement grew further when Kelly asked about involving the Know Me Love Me Foundation. The Know Me Love Me Foundation aims to give needy children the chance to receive an education and have the tools to be able to do so. The charity delivers backpacks full of educational materials to children in Africa, Haiti and Barbados who cannot purchase them.

Learn more about the KMLM Charity and how you can donate here

Over 100 original paintings created in diverse styles and subject matters were featured on 12” x 12” canvases to be sold anonymously. The artist remains a mystery, until after the purchase. Art pieces were created by notable Barbadian artists such as Hilary Armstrong, Heather Dawn Scott, Heidi Berger and Corrie Scott. Art is such a beautiful thing and I was draw to a number of pieces - some very different from the others. The first two pieces I hurried to purchase were quickly swept up but I was ecstatic to learn that the piece I got was by Heather Dawn Scott. A few of my favourites by Julianne Gill, Tanya Foster, Heather Meyer and Sophie Thomas quickly were revealed as the red dots were placed.

Photos by The Frame & Art Co and LDB.

I am also extremely excited to announce that I will be launching my own charity in January for hearing impaired children in Barbados. I cannot wait to share more information with you all!

Home Office

2015-11-27T15:46:00.000-04:00

I have been working from home for a few years now and while I love the freedom I do encounter some challenges. In the past few months I had noticed that I was slightly "stuck" and find it to focus while working from home. I even read over my blog post on Tips for working from home in an attempt to get motivated but I was still struggling. I have been obsessing over Home Offices for the life of my blog and decided that my space needs a little pick me up. I made a few changes which made a huge difference. The biggest expense was the addition to my desk. I had a desk built which I put next to my current "Parsons Style Desk" to form a L Shaped unit. This provided me with much needed counter space and extra storage. I also got bamboo blinds from Walkers World, updated my inspiration boards as well as framed them and lastly brought some plants in from outside.

I am not sure if it was a mental thing or if the changes inspired me but I have found it much easier to work from my office since and I am back on track with my Working from Home checklist. I still enjoy burning Voluspa candles and listening to Norah Jones while I work. I have also found a new playlist on YouTube entitled " Best Piano Instrumental Music for Studying and Work" which I listen to for hours on end.

This close up of my inspiration board showcases logo options for my NEW CHARITY ( Stay tuned for details!) as well as positive quotes and inspiring photos.

Above my desk I have a smaller inspiration board which has some Fashion & Travel Inspiration, one of my favourite quotes, my Simpson Creative logo and a list of 50 Scripture verses on worry - which I often need to revert to on a daily basis!

Gallery Wall

2015-11-20T16:57:00.000-04:00

I love a Gallery Wall and have blogged about them a few times here. I have been meaning to create one at The Cottage for a while now and when I came across Minted.com and all the fabulous artwork and prints they have I was instantly inspired. I was a bit hesitant at first ordering online and shipping to Barbados but they arrived in 3 days and in perfect condition. I used 5 prints from them and then framed one of my Instagram shots from the "Only in Barbados" exhibiton as well as a gold foil Barbados print from The Frame and Art Gallery. See below my Step-by-step DIY guide on how to create your own gallery wall!

1. Get inspired !
I have spent years on Pinterest pinning interiors inspiration and even have a whole board dedicated to Gallery walls so the inspiration part was easy.

2. Choose your prints
I visited Minted and chose about 15 that I liked. I then used a program on their website which allows you to position the prints and see them together on a wall. After this I narrowed it down to 5. The other two were pieces that I had previously.

3. Lay them out
I chose the spot I wanted to hang them in and then put together different options for layout on my carpet in front. See more prints from Minted here

4. Mock it up
I traced the shape of the frames onto paper from the stationary store and then cut out the shapes.

5. Take a break and smile for a photo :)

6. Hammer & Hang
I stuck my paper on the wall in the position I wanted it and then hammered some nails into the wall. Unfortunately I had to change up my layout a little bit to line up with the studs in the walls.

The process was a little more challenging than anticipated but after a little help we managed to put it together. I am already eyeing some more pieces from Minted so another Gallery Wall may be in my future.

Design friends - What are your thoughts on the blue feature wall? I am kind of over it now and thinking to paint it back white and changing out my cushions to black and white. I would love your feedback!

Travel Dreaming

2015-11-13T16:09:00.000-04:00

During the Summer freelance writer, Sophia Smith did a guest post on LDB about Travel and Beauty. Since then I have been working incredibly hard with Simpson Creative and have had little time to even dream about vacation - until recently. Sophie sent me another great Travel feature which left me dreaming of relaxing in Greece! See Sophia's post below. Enjoy!

When you think about finally going on a holiday, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Are those the wildest parties on world’s most famous beaches and fun nights out in the best clubs? Or are you more into a bit quieter holiday, long walks on the beach, sunbathing, and hiking on a mountain?

If you are looking for a chance to relax and detox your body and mind from all the stress you have been dealing with in the past month, these are just some of the destinations to consider.

Australia

Continent on the other side of the world can bring you peace and allow you to escape the pressures of busy modern life. At the foothills of the Brokenback Mountain Range lies Golden Door Health Retreat & Spa Elysia, wellbeing retreat what will change your life for the better. You will be required to leave alcohol, tobacco, and your mobile phone at home, so you will have more time for introspection and detox. You can also try Energy healing and meditate in amazing sun gardens,or relax in spa baths and steam rooms.

Greece

Kim Bennett, famous Zen Buddhist meditation teacher had decided to set up her own meditation centre and retreat called Serenity Retreat. Located on an almost-magical island of Lefkada in Greece, this resort offers people a chance to relax, meditate, detox, and also do something for their inner self as well. Courses in personal development are offered together with therapies, excursions, guided walks and meditation sessions. The sea as blue as that that can be seen on Lefkada can be seen nowhere else, claim the people who have travelled there, and while you are relaxing on the beach you can think about ways to change it and improve your life.

Tahiti

Tahiti is famous for its beautiful black sand beaches, delicious food, friendly people, and breathtaking mountains where a person can truly find inner peace. For those who are looking for inner peace, long walks through mystical, mountainous interior and diving in crystal clear lagoon can offer just that. Tahiti hotels are found on all sides and they offer luxurious as well as budget accommodation. Visit the village of Papenoo, a well-known surf break, visit museums with lovely outdoor exhibits, and go for a swim and surf at Plage de Taharuu, the black sand beach loved by locals and tourists alike.

Turkey

For people who are in love with history and are always looking to get to know other cultures, Turkey is just the place. This country has rich and vivid history, and is blessed with friendly people who do not hesitate to offer you a cup of coffee, and a few stories.What is more, Turkey has to offer luxurious wellbeing retreats for those who are looking for a chance to detox from busy and stressful life. The hidden gem in the pine forests of Datça Peninsula is D-Hotel Maris, place that offers you a chance to see how waters of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet. Spending time meditating, doing yoga, swimming, and hiking in the warm Turkish sun will make you feel refreshed and energized.

It doesn’t matter if your ideal holiday means spending time in a spa resort, going on a cruise, hiking and mountaineering, swimming and sunbathing, or meditating under the palm tree; the most important thing is to relax and forget about the stress of everyday life for a while. When you come back to work, you will be happier, healthier, and ready to face new challenges.

Author BIO:

Sophia Smith is Australian based fashion, beauty and style blogger. She is also very passionate about traveling and well-being. Sophia writes in mostly beauty and lifestyle related topics, mainly through blogs and articles. She is regular contributor at High Style Life on topics related to beauty, fashion and lifestyle.

Find her on:

Facebook

Twitter

Google +

L'atelier de Sophie

2015-11-06T19:02:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I visited Sophie Domenge of L'atelier de Sophie at her beautiful home. The whole experience was incredibly inspiring. I left with grand ideas of painting the interior of my house white, changing out cushions and adding flowy curtains to all the windows. Sophie was the most kind hostess and it felt more like a visit with a friend than an interview for the blog. She gave me a tour of the house and I was enchanted - the house had an energy which cannot be explained. The house, designed by architect Ian Morrison ( one of my favourite Barbadian architects ) felt like a chic tree house. Sophie's design aesthetic only further compliments the architecture of this home.

This space is on the lower level and just off of the guest bedroom. I love the open plan living of the home and would love to lounge in this cozy space with a book and a cup of tea.

The Living Room is filled with new and old pieces. I am in love with everything about this open plan space but especially the hanging bench and the re purposed cane chairs.

I have to admit that I lost my notes from my meeting and am going on memory alone for this blog post. I am struggling as I write this because there is no way to put into words the wonder that is this home. It truly is a testament to her taste and includes both new and old pieces with every room telling a story. "It is so simple to build a room with new things. If you are looking for someone who will buy a sofa and the matching chairs - this is not me." Sophie started doing interiors a little over a year ago and has since worked on a few private homes and a Port St. Charles apartment. Visit her NEW website and check out her amazing portfolio to see more!

"If I had to describe my style in four words it would have to be; eclectic, organic, simple and practical. Less is always more in my case. Practicality also is hugely important in my design - it needs to function. The marriage between comfort, style and functionality is a beautiful one!"

Along with interiors L'atelier de Sophie creates bespoke furniture, re purposes old pieces and creates custom artwork. Stay tuned on the blog to see more of Sophie's portfolio and learn more about her design services. Until then visit her on Facebook and take a look at her new Website.

Only in Barbados Exhibition

2015-09-25T13:53:00.000-04:00

I was beyond honoured when The Frame & Art Co. reached out to me and invited me to be a part of their Only in Barbados exhibition. #onlyinbarbados is an exhibition of mobile phone photography and focuses on images taken in and around Barbados. I was unable to make the opening party but visited last week to look at the other photo entries. I was beyond impressed with the creativity of some of the shots and humbled that they would include my photos alongside some of these epic shots!

All Photos are the property of LDB unless stated otherwise.

Visit The Frame & Art Co's Facebook page to learn more about this exhibition which runs until October 17th. For those of you on Instagram see more photos by searching for the #onlyinbarbados hashtag.

Photo by The Frame & Art Co

My entry: "Barbados Chattel House"

One of my favourites by Craig Gun-Munro

Another Favourite entitled " Dat would make some nice souse"

See more about this event on The Frame & Art Co's Facebook page.

Swagg Restaurant

2015-09-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I was invited to visit the new Swagg restaurant located in the South Beach Hotel on the South Coast. I live on the South and was very excited to hear of a new restaurant being opened. I wasn't sure what to expect but had checked out the menu on their Facebook page and was very impressed with the dishes and eager to try some of them. One of my best friends accompanied me and upon arrival we were warmly greeted by the manager, Cheryl Ann. She offered us the option to dine outside or inside but we opted for indoors so we could enjoy the air conditioning - Barbados has been super hot recently!

Codfish Yam Balls

After talking far too much and reviewing the menu we decided upon our dishes. I opted for the Calamari to start and Merls had the Spicy Grilled Prawn Salad. Her dish was so beautifully presented that I couldn't help but try some. It was light and refreshing and the prawns were fab. As for my calamari - you can't go wrong with fried seafood! For our main courses we enjoyed the Thai Seafood dish and Shrimp linguini. The Thai Seafood dish had mahi mahi, shrimp and calamari which was made so special by the delicious Thai Coconut sauce - I will definitely be going back for this dish again! The shrimp linguine had in sautéed shrimp, fresh mushrooms, tomatoes, red onions and capers in a white wine cream sauce. I try to minimize my intake of carbs but this dish was definitely worth the extra cardio the morning after - a definite must have for pasta lovers.

Swagg Salad

We were too full for desert but the menu included sweet treats such as warm coconut bread pudding, homemade banana and coconut bread as well as Grand Marnier Creme Brûlée.

Bread Pudding

I chatted with co-owner Kristina and she explained to me the concept behind Swagg. Their goal with the restaurant is to achieve a reflection of the name they chose. S W A G G: “mostly known as style…a unique part of what makes you different than the other players in a cool way” (Urban Dictionary). With this in mind they aim for Stylish Dining and Sensible Pricing. It is evident to me that they accomplished this and more. The outdoor dining space was casual yet chic and the indoor dining space was a mix of contemporary and traditional elements. I loved the acrylic chairs which reminded me of a modern twist on the iconic Phillip Starck Ghost chair. The chairs were unexpectedly paired with traditional mahogany tables which were accented with bright placemats and trendy flatware.

Learn more about Swagg by visiting their Facebook page.

Travel : Spyglass Villa, Saba

2015-09-04T13:18:00.000-04:00

Saba is one of my favourite places ever! I have been fortunate enough to visit numerous times on family vacations which my grandparents take the kids and grandkids on. Every time I visit I feel like I fall in love all over again. The authenticity of the island is infectious and I often daydream about moving there to spend my days reading and writing. Saba is a Caribbean island and smallest municipality of the Netherlands. They boast the smallest commercial runway in the world and a population of under 2,000 people. While I do not scuba dive my grandparents rave about the beauty and visit every year just to scuba dive. They also have lovely hiking trails, the tallest and most difficult is Mount Scenery which goes up to 2,910 ft! If you make it to the top you are literally in the clouds as you take in the views.

For the past ten or more years we have been visiting Saba and staying at Juliana's Hotel. We love the people there (Whim, Johanna, Leanna and of course Rosco!), as well as the charming cottages and convenient location. On our last visit we heard that there was a new home being built up the hill by a Bajan. We walked up the hill and came to the most magnificent spot. The property was perhaps only half way complete and I couldn't have ever imagined it would be so perfect upon completion.

Spyglass Villa is a three bedroom, three bathroom villa located on the point of Booby Hill opposite Sheer Water Resort. The Villa is impeccably finished with modern amenities and fixtures but still maintains a feeling of simplicity. I love the travertine tile throughout the property as well as the natural wood and open shelving details. Of course it goes without saying that the outdoor living spaces are the most sought after. There is a balcony, a deck and a gazebo where you can enjoy Panoramic views of the sun, sea, sky and mountains.

Learn more about Spyglass Villa by visiting their website or liking their page on Facebook. If you are interested in making a booking or require additional info email them at info@sabaspyglass.com. Don't forget to mention that you heard about them on LDB!

Photos by Julie Chalbaud Photography & Adam Watkins of Chizzilala Productions.

All photos are the property of Spyglass Villa.

How to create the perfect backyard

2015-08-14T10:04:00.000-04:00

I love outdoor living and believe in making the best of your outdoor spaces. Editor, Derek B. Lotts of Smooth Decorator shares his tips on how to create the perfect backyard below. Who does not dream of having a secluded place in his or her backyard, a private corner where they can rest from the troubles of the world and prepare themselves for new challenges that await? If you are blessed with having a backyard that is roomy and private enough to create a nook in it, do not wait a second to start turning it into a great hang-out one. Here are several suggestions on how to do the job perfectly.

See more about this property on Blue Sky Luxury.

Pool

Relaxing in a pool after a long day at the office is in top 10 rejuvenating activities there are. Do not be immediately turned off by installation issues. Your pool does not have to be anything of large proportions. Nowadays, you can find practically any shape, size and depth and a lot of them are highly customizable. If you want to go all the way and add the tropical touch, landscaping is the key. Add palm trees, banana plants, and birds of paradise. If your space does not allow you to do landscaping due to concrete surroundings, use tree pots. Remember that there are different types of pool finishes. Polished colored quartz is the best if you want to achieve tropical aqua blue color.

Tree house

There probably is not a child in the world that does not like tree houses. Bring that child hidden within you back to the surface and build yourself a tree house to hang out in. Rise above all the problems, literally and metaphorically with just a couple of hours spent secluded in your wooden creation. Sleepovers are welcomed, as well.

Fire

Nothing beats having a fireplace in your backyard that enables you to spend even those chilly autumn and cold winter nights outside. However, if your climate is not suited for them, you don't want to go overboard with it. Instead, incorporate a fire burner. For instance, Blazing Glass’ burner kits are perfectly suited for any nook, you can set it to minimum and allow the flame to add elegance and romance to your outdoor relaxation during nightime. Also, try roasting marshmallows with your friends or beloved.

Reading corner

When was the last time you manage to read something other than business oriented editions or yellow pages? There are just a few ways of letting your mind drift away from daily issues completely, one of them surely being book reading. All you really need is a small table to put your favorite drink on it, candles or auxiliary light if you plan to read in the evenings and a comfortable chair. Having all of that, you are ready to sail into the fantastic world of literature.

Outdoor cinema

This is another great activity to get away from the world that surrounds you. Plus, it is both a wonderful romantic occasion, as well as a great gathering venue for friends and family, all depending on the movie you choose and the mood you are in. A laptop, a foldable screen of suitable size, a projector, a set of speakers and your favorite movie is all you need on the technical side. The equipment is easy to set up and use. All you need more for a complete enjoyment are blankets or sunbeds, popcorn and drinks.

As you can see, there are numerous ways of creating a perfect spot in your backyard, all depending on your preferences. After all, it is you that matters here, so use the opportunity and indulge yourself, every hour you manage to spend in your nook will be rejuvenating and refreshing without a doubt.

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See more from Derek Lotts on the Smooth Decorator or follow him on Twitter.

Archers Hall opens it's doors at Millhouse

2015-08-07T13:13:00.000-04:00

Archer's Hall has opened a stunning new store in Millhouse and I am so excited to visit! Julie Chalbaud visited and took some phenomenal photos which I have been fortunate enough to share. Their new store perfectly showcases the extraordinary talent of Monique and Terri Archer along with their team. The massive space has been designed so that there are distinct living areas with both indoor and outdoor furniture, dining spaces and detailed vignettes. Some of my favorite elements are the abundance of natural light and of course the exquisite furniture and accessories.

Visit Archers Hall on Facebook to see more photos of their new location and to learn more about their design centre.

Stay tuned to learn more bout "Open Kitchen"

Travel and Beauty!

2015-07-31T09:00:00.000-04:00

Travelling is one of my favorite things to do, packing - not so much! I tend to over pack and I am definitely guilty of throwing everything into a suitcase at the very last minute! When freelance writer, Sophia Smith sent me this piece I found it incredibly helpful and had to share. The photos are pretty inspiring also. See her post below.

Summer is the perfect time to travel to new and attractive destinations. However, packing is not something we look forward to, particularly girls who tend to pack every single thing ( just in case). This time, do not take everything out of your wardrobe and throw into your suitcase. but take a piece of paper and make a list of all the essentials and most importantly: stick to it! This especially applies to the enormous makeup kits that we always carry around. We have numerous beauty products that we use on a daily basis, as well as makeup that most of us cannot imagine going anywhere without. How to pack and what to take with you?

Eating lightly - packing lighter

Girls who are lucky enough to have perfect tans do not have to worry about loading their makeup kits with too many beauty products for the trip. You can just as well be one of them, but you will have to change some of your bad habits. Give up sugar, processed food and alcohol for fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood, and the results will show faster than you can even imagine. Not only will your skin look better, your figure will be better, and consequently, you will feel amazing, ready to conquer new destinations.

Peel the load away

Now that your skin is fresh and shiny, work on keeping it that way, so make sure that you leave enough time to do facial at least once a week. Peeling is something you can do yourself, so do not worry about not packing your dermatologist with you. However, one microdermabrasion treatment before you go on the road could be just what you need, as then it will not take you a long time or too many products to take your face to perfection. You will be out exploring new city and sightseeing in no time.

Less is truly more

However, not one of us will pack without at least a little bit of makeup, but you have to know how to be smart about it. Before the trip, look for all the multifunctional products you can find, such as something you can use both for your lips and your cheeks. Pink tones for the day, and dark red for dramatic evening look. To elevate your natural but tanned look, make sure you take golden and copper eyeshadows that you can also use as blush. All shades of sand will never go out of style, and when you put a little bit of that blushy eyeshadows on your cleavage, you will be ready for the summer beach party.

Where to?

A really important question to ask yourself is “where are you heading to?”, as you will not be able to endure high temperatures with too much makeup on your face. Opt for compact foundation powders that are great for light coverage and let your skin breathe. As they are applied with sponges, you do not have to worry about where to pack unpractical brushes. For your eyes, waterproof mascara is a life-saver, and you can even jump in the pool with it. Your lips should be peachy during the day, almost unnoticeable, and when the night comes, bold lipstick takes the stage. Packing only the most essential might seem impossible in the beginning, but trust me, you will thank me later when you manage to zip your bag effortlessly. Light luggage and light makeup is just what you need this summer, as nothing will hold you back on your way travel the world.

Author BIO:

Sophia Smith is a freelance writer from Brisbane, Australia with huge interest in beauty, makeup, fashion, photography and graphic design. Sophia is also very passionate about DIY projects. She could be described as beauty addict and life lover. She writes in mostly beauty related topics, mainly through blogs and articles. Sophia is regular contributor at High Style Life on topics related to beauty, fashion and style. Follow her on Twitter or add her on Google + to learn more.

Simpson Creative

2015-07-24T12:08:00.000-04:00

It has been a busy couple of weeks launching my newest venture - Simpson Creative. As a result I have neglected LDB a bit. I am determined to get back on the blogging train but just trying to find the balance. Until then I wanted to share with you all what I have been up to. I started doing Social Media Management a few years ago after I had better established LDB. I saw the importance of it in promoting my blog and found it to be both challenging and interesting. Simpson Creative Caribbean offers services in social media management, creative direction as well as marketing and online marketing solutions. Below I share a few photos from my first SC Photo Shoot. See more by liking us on Facebook and following @ simpsoncreates on Instagram and Twitter.

Simpson Creative

New York Bound

2015-07-17T12:16:00.000-04:00

As I sit here on the plane I am both excited and a little anxious. In the past I have done a lot of traveling but in the past year those travels have been limited to Antigua. I am on my way to New York for BlogHer conference, the last time I visited was in 2012 for Blogfest on Design. I have incredibly fond memories of that trip and made a lot of blogger friends. I hope that this trip I can be a little more outgoing and make some new connections.

Things have been incredibly busy the past few weeks but I managed to make a little time in between to do a little research and put together a loose itinerary for my free days. When looking over my list most of my plans seem to be centered around food with a little sightseeing and shopping on the side.

I took this photo on my last trip opposite Bryant Park.

Upon arrival I plan to do a little work, have brunch close to the hotel – The Hilton in Midtown and then wander around to Bryant Park, Times Square and a few shops. The opening night of the conference is Thursday and while I already have my outfits planned out I still hope to find some new pieces.

While I have been to both Central Park and Times Square before I feel like these are two things you must do when in NYC and I have been playing with the idea of riding in Central Park. The reality is that I will probably be a whole lot less glamorous than some of the bloggers I follow on Instagram and I can visualize myself crashing as I try to get the perfect “natural” shot!

Some of the restaurants on my list are Natsumi Sushi, Balthazar, Le Pain Quotidien, Magnolia Bakery and Laduree. Shops include basics such as H&M as well as Jonathan Adler, Tory Burch on Madison and Bergdorf Goodman. We had booked to Gigi on Broadway and it was cancelled so deciding on another show (suggestions welcome) Lastly I hope to have time to visit the Metropolitan Musuem of Art.

I would love to hear some of your favorite bits of New York and if you have any suggestions! Xo

P.S I am posting this from the plane using Jet Blue Fly -Wi!

Images

The Good Life - Afternoon at Sheer Rocks

2015-07-10T09:52:00.000-04:00

Since I have returned from Antigua I have been left daydreaming of my amazing trip there! One of the highlights of my visit was my afternoon at Sheer Rocks. Sheer Rocks is located on the West coast of the island and has the most spectacular views. The food, service and overall atmosphere of the restaurant are equally impressive. I arrived around 4 PM and was greeted by the charming Jackson who promptly insisted that my sister/assistant for the day; Faye and I try some of the cocktails. I am not a big drinker so I took his suggestions and enjoyed an "Apple Rocks" cocktail while Faye had "the best Mojito" she had ever tasted.

We were then introduced to the chef Simon Christey-French who talked to us a bit more about Sheer Rocks and the menu. Simon's love for the restaurant as well as his passion for food was evident. He enthusiastically described some of the dishes explaining that 85% of the produce used is sourced from local farmers and fishermen. Exceptions are made for items such as their Buffalo Mozzarella which is flown in from Italy. Another one of the staff members who made our visit special was Cindy, the bartender. Cindy and Jackson are part of very passionate team, most of which are Antiguan's or from other Eastern Caribbean islands.

Shortly after we were ushered to a table where endless tapas started flowing from the kitchen. I am a self proclaimed foodie so this was heaven to me! My favorites dishes were the Tuna Carpaccio with pink peppercorns and fennel, Wahoo sashimi and the Caprese salad made with fresh local tomatoes & basil. Faye's favorites were the Burnt tomato and basil bruschetta and the confit duck and pork stew. The Polenta chips deserve special mention also - I've been craving them ever since!

After our meal we retired to our cabana where we lounged and watched the boats sail by as the sun set. I try to avoid using the word perfect but there is no better word to describe my afternoon. I will definitely be returning to Sheer Rocks on my next visit to Antigua. For those of you traveling to Antigua I definitely recommend booking a cabana and spending the afternoon soaking in the pool, relaxing on the daybed and enjoying the delicious food.

Sheer Rocks is one of the only restaurants in Antigua to open 365 days a year. They serve Tapas from 12-4 and A la Carte dinner starts at 6. The restaurant has incredibly high standards and the personable staff only add to the "cool" vibe. To learn more about Sheer Rocks visit their website, LIKE them on Facebook and be sure to follow them on Instagram ( @sheerrocks) to see their enviable snaps of this magical spot.

Life as I know it : I've been a bad blogger

2015-07-03T13:38:00.000-04:00

The past few months seem to have flown by and I have really neglected the blog. I think this is a challenge that I have faced numerous times over the years and am still trying to overcome - any suggestions are welcomed. I have so much respect for bloggers who can stay focused enough to post daily or even weekly. After having a brief "techy" meltdown this morning I decided to take some time to browse Pinterest and review some of my favourite blogs. This is something that I used to do daily but over the years hasn't been as easy, especially since the launch of Simpson Creative! It was incredibly refreshing and reminded me why I started LDB in the first place - to share my inspiration.

My goal in the upcoming two weeks, along with what feels like a hundred other tasks is to share more of my inspiration and some Life as I know it bits! I will also be working on my NYC Travel itinerary for Blog Her 2015 and I can't wait to post more about it. Today I am sharing a few photos from my SC Photoshoot a few weeks back. The photoshoot was primarily focused on my new business but I asked my photographer to snap a few detailed shots by my blue feature wall.

I had a lot of photos taken of my home office which can be seen here. I keep an inspiration board which I made above my desk. Every few weeks I change out quotes, photos, notes etc to keep me inspired. Whenever possible I get fresh flowers, burn some candles and listen to relaxing music.

All photos property of LDB. Check out more of what I have been unto on Instagram @lovedesignbdos

Life as I know it : Bits of Barbados PT 2

2015-06-19T11:06:00.000-04:00

About two weeks ago I took a Sunday drive with my Mum starting on the South Coast of Barbados and then through Bridgetown, along the West Coast and ended in Speightstown. I shared some photos already of Speightstown but here are a few starting in town and on the West. Again I can't say it enough that I am so incredibly blessed to life on such a beautiful island! See more photos from my Island Tour here.

All photos are the property of LDB. Please send us an email if you wish to use any.

Summer Splash

2015-06-12T14:22:00.000-04:00

Summer is here and in Barbados our Carnival or "Crop Over" season will be soon underway. That means endless events; breakfast parties, cruises, cooler fete's, lots of dancing and having fun! LDB has teamed up with some of our favorite stores to put together our "Hot Party Picks". Apart from the clothes, accessories including jewelry, handbags and sunglasses are very important in pulling the look together. The Royal Shop, Sun Collection and Something Samarah have shared some of their favorite pieces for the season. See the product information below.

1. Rebecca NY earrings and necklace - The Royal Shop

2. Dita Freebird Tortoise Sunnies | Thiery Lassry Strippy Sunnies - Sun Collection

3. Belle Etoile Cherry Blossom Orange bangle, pendant and ring - The Royal Shop

4.Rebecca NY bangle & ring - The Royal Shop

5. Movado Watches - The Royal Shop

6. "Like a Boss" & Orange pineapple clutches from Something Samarah.

*Visit The Royal Shop and mention LOVE DESIGN BLOG for a Special Discount on these pieces*

We love all of the jewelry pieces from The Royal Shop. The Belle Etoile pieces are perfect for adding a pop of fun and color to any outfit. The Rebecca necklace, earrings, bracelet and ring are ideal for adding some class to your look and the Movado watches bring a little bling and edge.

More about our “Hot Jewelry Party Picks” from The Royal Shop.

Cherry Blossom Orange collection is an exclusive design from Belle Étoile, revels in nature's beauty with a charming display of colorful blossoms in hand-painted enamel and brilliant stones.

Our featured Movado watches are the Movado Bold w. Green Camouflage print dial, Movado Bold with Brown Camouflage print dial and Movado Bold Rose Gold ion plated stainless steel case with deep rose gold-toned crackle shimmer dial.

*Visit The Royal Shop and mention LOVE DESIGN BLOG for a Special Discount on these pieces*

Bonita Bay - Barbados

2015-06-12T10:40:00.000-04:00

I have the pleasure of working with Archers Hall Design centre and I was so excited when images of this stunning property, which they decorated showed up in my inbox. Bonita Bay is located on the West Coast of Barbados. The West is known for it's luxurious beach front properties and Bonita Bay is no exception. The home is newly constructed and features six bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms and 9,200 square feet of living space. Perhaps the most spectacular part of the home are the views which can be seen from almost every room.

The home was decorated by the team at Archers Hall Design Centre and they describe it as Tropical Modern. The spaces are true to their aesthetic and everything is incredibly luxurious and plush. I also love the subtle hints of coastal elements and glass accents. See more of their design portfolio here.

The bathrooms are like nothing I have ever seen in Barbados with the phenomenal making them even more special.

Learn more about this property here

Cafe Luna

2015-06-05T10:50:00.000-04:00

Cafe Luna has been one of my favorite restaurants for many years but I haven't gone in quite some time so I was very excited when they invited me for dinner. Cafe Luna has a unique allure and feels like a secret spot. I went for dinner this past Friday with my boyfriend and it was nothing short of perfection. Cafe Luna combines quality service with delectable food and a stunning ambiance.

We were very spoilt and sat at the best seat overlooking the beautiful Miami beach. Photo by Steven Cumberbatch of Magical Moments photography.

One of my favourite things about Cafe Luna is the ambience and decor. The Starburst lights, foliage and simple table settings make it feel romantic and special. The highlight however is dining underneath the stars with the view of the ocean behind you.

Cafe Luna is located in the beautiful Little Arches Boutique hotel. I took this photo over a lunch meeting and was so tempted to go for a swim.

The experience would not have been what it was without the fantastic servers and spectacular food. My boyfriend had lamb while I enjoyed an octopus, tuna and seaweed salad to start. For my main I had some of Chef Moo's famous sushi. The evening was truly enjoyable and a fantastic way to end the week, I'm already dreaming about my next visit! Photo compliments of Living Barbados.

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Learn more about Cafe Luna and Little Arches by visiting their pages on Facebook. You can make reservations by calling either (246)428-6172 or (246)420-4689.

Life as I know it : Bits of Barbados

2015-05-22T10:53:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend I took a drive with my Mum from the South Coast through Bridgetown, along the West Coast and ended in Speightstown. Along the way I stopped to take photos of some of the sights and beaches. I drive to Speightstown about twice a month but have my eyes on the road more than anything else. Mum drove and I was able to look out the window and truly appreciate the beauty. Every so often when I really think about it I see how blessed I am to live on my beautiful island - Barbados. See some of my photos below and stay tuned for part 2 of my island tour.

I passed some older gentleman at a small fishing area playing dominoes to take some photos of the beach and when I looked to my left I saw these two beauties playing in the surf. It was so nice to see them as they ran excitedly from the waves.

Next up was this bright orange building down a one-way road in Speightstown. I loved the combination of the distressed doors and bright orange wall.

I have taken a photo of this boat before and always look for it as it carries the name " De Timothy". One of my best friends who passed a few years ago was named Timothy and every time I see this boat I think of him. For the first time I actually met the owner of the boat and got to chat with him a bit. He let me know that "De Timothy" would be on the water next week ready to catch fish.

Lastly on our way back to the South Coast we stopped in Sunset Crest for some fresh fruits and vegetables. This vendor was more than happy for me to take her photo!

See more photos of my island adventures and beautiful Barbados by following me on Instagram

@ lovedesignbdos

Fashion and Denim

2015-05-15T12:24:00.000-04:00

Denim jeans are one of my wardrobe staples. They are incredibly versatile and depending on the styling can be dressed up or down. I tend to mix mine with simple black or white t and leather sandals for everyday or throw on a pair of heels and a blazer if I have a meeting to attend.( See my post on how to dress up your jeans for work here). While browsing the internet for denim inspiration I came across four different looks from some fab fashion blogs. While I am partial to the simplicity of the first two they are all looks I would wear and have sparked a Shopstyle shopping spree!

Crystal Marie

Wish Bones & Wanderlust

Pretty Designs

Chloe Rose Boutique

Comment below and let me know what look is your fave!

Wedding Gift Picks

2015-05-08T10:31:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I talked wedding rings with The Royal Shop. Today we are looking at Wedding Gift Ideas for both the wedding party and bride and groom. Traditionally in the past bridesmaids were given gifts for being part of the wedding party. I fondly remember receiving beautiful pearls as well as diamond studs when I was a flower girl, many years ago! While it is not as common now a wedding party gift is a lovely reminder of the big day. In more recent times I have been hearing about Brides and Grooms receiving gifts from their significant other, in addition to the rings! These can include handbags, pieces of jewelry or my favorite idea - matching timepieces. Here are some choice picks from The Royal Shop for you. See the product information below and visit The Royal Shop's Facebook page to learn more!

1. Timepieces for the Bride and Groom

Ladies say “YES’ again with this beautiful ROLEX EVEROSE GOLD and DIAMONDS LADY DATE JUST (28MM) Men, Let the adventures of your new life together begin with this ROLEX EVEROSE GOLD YACHT-MASTER 40MM for him.

2. Rebecca Bridal Bracelet, Swarovski crystals and gold plated bronze & Rebecca Love Lock Bracelet, Swarovski crystals and gold plated bronze. | 3. Movado Women's Museum Classic watch, 28 mm stainless steel case, black Museum dial with tone-on-tone outer ring and silver-toned dot and hands, black calfskin strap with stainless steel classic tongue buckle. Personalize this watch with a message to celebrate your special occasion! | Men's Museum Classic watch, 40 mm stainless steel case, black Museum dial with tone-on-tone outer ring and silver-toned dot and hands, black calfskin strap with stainless steel classic tongue buckle. | 4. Rebecca Passion Necklace | 5. Citizen L SunriseThe gold-tone stainless steel case and bracelet, Mother-of-Pearl dial with champagne gradation, features a sapphire crystal, deployment clasp and water resistance up to 50 meters. 6. Belle Etoile Pashmina bracelets, earrings and pendant

All items available at The Royal Shop. Visit them today!

Bar Cart Alternatives

2015-05-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

I love a bar cart and have blogged about them here a few times. I recently acquired a vintage bar cart from my Granny and was torn between turning it into a Coffee/Tea Cart or using it to put some of my plants on it. I decided on using it on my patio and while there are primarily plants on it I am loving some of the ideas below. The bar cart is definitely a classic piece to own and these ideas showcase that it is not limited to only drinks.

1. Use your bar cart by the pool to store towels and summer drinks.

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2. Use your bar cart as a night stand.

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3. Add some green to your bar cart by adding plants to compliment your drinks, beautiful glassware and accessories.

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4. Use it to store office supplies.

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See more bar cart alternatives here.

Travel : Dreaming of St. Kitts & Nevis

2015-04-24T15:55:00.000-04:00

I love traveling and I haven't left Barbados in almost a year - quite possibly the longest I have ever been home without a trip overseas. I have been very blessed over the years to explore exciting places and travel a couple of times each year. I have already planned a trip to NYC in summer and will be going to Antigua in a couple months but have been thinking of joining my grandparents on their trip to St. Kitts & Nevis. I visited the St. Kitts Tourism website to start doing some research on the island and of course being the social media nerd that I am also I followed St. Kitts Tourism on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. See below some of my finds from the official St. Kitts Tourism website.

Accommodation : Belle Mont Farm at Kittian Hill. The farm is comprised of 84 Guesthouses, 12 three-four bedroom villas and 7 four-bedroom Farmhouses set within a tropical organic farm. See more here

Accommodation: The St. Kitts Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino. Luxury guest rooms, trimmed with West Indian accents and cutting-edge comforts, are spacious and welcoming. That same Caribbean flavor sets the tone in the 8 restaurants and 2 lounges. See more of The St. Kitts Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino on their website or Facebook.

Dining : Spice Mill Restaurant. The cuisine & ambiance reaches across the spectrum of Caribbean ethnicity. See more of the Spice Mill Restaurant here or visit their website.

Explore: The St. Kitts Scenic Railway. St. Kitts has one of the few remaining operational rail tracks in the Caribbean. Begun in 1910 as part of the 20th Century modernization thrust in the sugar industry, this narrow gauge railway remains in use today. It runs around the major part of the island. See more about the St. Kitts Scenic Railway here.

Attractions: Romney Manor. Home of Caribelle Batik - Owned and managed by successive Earls of Romney over the centuries. See more about the historic Romney Manor and it's pristine gardens here.

All photos via St. Kitts Tourism. Visit their website here.