Sailing St. John-Leinster Bay

This past weekend I got to break in my new Canon Rebel T1i camera to shoot the scenery while sailing aboard my father-in-law's boat Hamburg. We anchored at Leinster Bay on St. John. Snorkeling was fun with sightings of stingrays and even a rare four legged starfish. In the afternoon we hiked to old ruins with magnificent views of the bay below and Tortola beyond. The highlight for me was our dinghy ride out to Water Lemon Cay for more snorkeling and beachcombing fun. It was amazing how many times the colors of the sky changed and the incredible sunset that awaited us upon the return home to St. Thomas.

Views to Tortola

Water Lemon Cay -St. John

Hamburg

Moravian Ruins above Leinster Bay

sailing into the sunset

Cabrita Cliff Haus- St. Thomas

The Cabrita Cliff Haus is the fabulous vacation villa my family built here on St. Thomas. It is situated on the Eastern tip of the island just a stone's throw from the Ritz and with fabulous views of St. John. You will never want to leave. Visit the website for all the details.Become a fan on Facebook today!

photos courtesy of Cabrita Cliff Haus

The Living Room

SEA-SONS GREETINGS

SENDING YOU WARM WISHES FOR A HOLIDAY

FILLED WITH HAPPINESS & JOY

It’s a Shore Thing

Liz is the fabulous twenty-something designer and owner of Shorely Chic a fun line of shabby chic seaside home décor and accessories. Her collection includes found & vintage objects as well as great seashell frames and shadowbox art she creates herself.
Her discerning eye and creative flair began many years ago while studying art in Florence, Italy and then working at Christies Auction House in New York City. You will love her offerings as there is always something new and one-of-a-kind to discover.


I asked Liz what is in her treasure making box for the holidays?

Liz @ SC: In my treasure making box this season was lots of pearls and silver, glitter, and seashells of course! For the new year, I had my heart set on finding the perfect vintage champagne glasses and fell in love with a bright pink set of six

These are a few of my favorite things…but you can find more on her etsy shop and why not become her fan on Facebook  and blog for behind the scenes and up-to-the-minute features!

Why not toast the New Year with these vintage lovelies!

Contact Shorely Chic for more info.

A Shorely Chic Wine Bag is perfect for the New Year's Hostess

December Orchids

It's another beautiful December day in the Virgin Islands, especially when you wake up to find the wild orchids in your backyard have bloomed once again.

A Little Island Flava

Had to share these sweet pics I took yesterday at this adorable roadside stand on the East end of St. Thomas. Bought some of Lucia Henley's yummy mango chutney and mixed spice jars. She makes everything from cakes, to stews, to passion fruit jams. The item she says many locals and tourists stop for is the Guavaberry Liquor

Guavaberries are a fruit indigenous to the Caribbean. It is mixed with rum,spices,and sugar and used to toast the holiday with family and friends.

Gourmet Towels by Isola Bella

Feeling like santa today as I pack up the car and head out for deliveries. Be sure to shop our site and stock up for the New Year! If you live in a cold location these will surely brighten up any winter kitchen!

The isola bella gourmet kitchen towel collection

The Isola Bella Linen Hobo Bags are here!

My excitement has reached an all time high at the moment as I am so pleased to share with you my newest creation. The Russian Linen Hobo Bag collection. These are fabulous! Effortless beach chic and the only bag you need for your warm getaway. These are self-lined with pure Russian linen and eco-printed by hand. I love the roominess that allows you to take it from the beach to shopping with room to spare. Tie straps allow you to wear it as long or as short as you wish. These are machine washable and take up no room in your luggage. Sewn in the USA. Available through my retail store.

Isola Bella Russian Linen Hobo Bag collection

shown here white coral branches: color: lavender breeze

~ photos taken at Magens Bay, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands ~

all designs registered trademarks of isola bella, LLC copyright 2009

coral hobo bag: color: sand

coral hobo bag: color: blue cloud
isolabellashop.com

It was a frantic day yesterday. I was busily working like one of Santa's elves up to the eleventh hour printing and packaging orders. I headed out to the post office this morning bright and early with bundles to ship out. Many people will be waking up to the scent of French lavender on Christmas morning when they see their stockings filled with isola bella linen sachets.

packaged w/ red raffia, recycled tissue and local shells

linens from the Natural Collection

Coral Table Runners and Napkin Sets

SHOP HERE

On the 12th day of Christmas...

12 Fabulous finds

What's old becomes new again this Christmas

My son Tristan trimming our tree

these are some favorite ornaments

A broken fish ornament finds a new home in a faux-coral branch

Ornaments do not only belong on Christmas trees. I put this one in the guest room among a little display of starfish, shells and coral. Be creative. Christmas belongs in every room of the house so have fun and play! You can wrap a candle with some raffia adorned with pearl beads, or shells. This makes a great hostess gift in a pinch. Here I filled the base of a coffee saucer with some sand and shells and placed a modern-sparkling tree candle in it creating a beach winter scene. It is delicate and reminds me of sanding sugar.

Save those christmas cards! I always enjoy crafting with my son around the holidays. We recycle our cards and cut out images and words to create ornaments and art to frame. Here Santa takes center stage inside a delicate frame that I have displayed in the guest bath. It is such a sweet and simple touch to any space and always brings a smile.