Welcome Home

Are you redoing a rental condo? Moving into a new home? Or simply in need of a fresh new look for a tired room in your home? Or how about that apartment you’re renting; does it need a few things that belong to you, so it looks like “your place”? Well, Cayman people, the most fabulous store has opened at Governor’s Square- “Welcome Home”. Walk in the door and you’ll swear you’re in San Fran, DC or Miami; the store is extremely chic and beautiful. The shocking surprise is the price of the merchandise:very, very reasonable. I had to actually look twice at some of the price tags because I could not believe my eyes. The Welcome Home concept is “High Style at Affordable Prices”. The good news is, the inventory changes constantly, and the store is already very popular, so you won’t be seeing the same things over and over again.  The art and decor items are purchased in very small quantities, so chances are you won’t be seeing something you purchased for your home in the home of someone else.  There will be elegant and stylish events like ‘Black Tie Christmas”, where the store will be decorated in Black, Silver and Red.

Chairs

The inventory is an appealing mixture of casual-chic and elegance. Lots gleaming polished aluminum candlesticks, unusual mirrors, picture frames, and no-tarnish serving pieces. There are lovely silk orchids and other silk plants. The furniture is beautiful: chairs and tables that fuse traditional style with contemporary finishes and upholstery. There are exceptionally pretty toss pillows, super gorgeous glass candle holders, and a trio of over-sized pillar candle holders in polished aluminum that you might want to rush in and buy soon, because I have my eye on them!

Decor

Welcome Home is the place to go for gifts. There are many small items that would make anyone feel better, so if someone needs a lift during this gloomy rainy season, pop over to Welcome Home and pick up a treasure to cheer them up. Anne Roberts or Susan Abbott might be around to help, these two helpful gals are the sisters who brought “Welcome Home” to Cayman. (Susan is the well known marketing & retail person who owns the boutique “Just Add Water” here in Cayman.”)

Silks

I am getting ready to put a condo on the market, and I’m going to box up all our outdated kick-knacks and sweep in with some chic Welcome Home accessories. So you’d better get in there before my big shopping spree!

Welcome Home   10:00 AM-6:00 PM Monday-Saturday

345-949-4663

Governors Square

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I purchased some of these sausages at the Market at the Grounds, the local farmer’s market held here in the Cayman Islands. I was thinking they would be a good alternative to the supermarket variety. I had no idea that my family would go completely WILD for these amazing, gourmet, perfectly seasoned masterpieces.

David comes from a long line of butchers in Ireland. He moved to the Cayman Islands six years ago where he met the love of his life, Miss Jackie, and the rest is history. David worked for The Cracked Conch, The Westin Casuarina, Mezza, and The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman. He had owned a restaurant prior to living in Cayman, and he wanted to be the captain of his own ship again. His dream was to produce his own locally made sausages.

Today, his dreams have become a reality. Caribo Sausages is a well-known brand in the Cayman Islands, and the company supplies many of the top restaurants here. However, they have an extremely loyal following with local households…like mine! The flavors are a fusion of global, European, Caribbean, and distinctly Caymanian.

Caribo’s extensive sausage menu includes choices such as Seafood, Pork/Cranberry-Stilton, Jerk Chicken, Hot Italian, Chorizo, Beef & Cheddar, Bratwurst, British Bangers, Jerk Pork, Korma Curry Chicken, Cuban Style Sausage, Lamb Merguez, and Hickory Smoked Maple Ham Steaks, and many more. If you like, you can choose a 3 pound “Selection Pack” and sample to your heart’s content!

David tests, samples, and researches every new product extensively before introducing it. (I will post any updates if he is hiring any “tasters”!)

Caribo’s delivers, too! Just give them a call to order your tray for home, office or beach party deliveries. They freeze beautifully. Minimum order: 6 lbs. Otherwise, Call 324-1207, or 946-1999 or visit them at The Grounds Market Place at The Stacey Watler Agricultural Pavilion in Savannah (at the Farmer’s market) Saturday’s 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM. If you get the chance, introduce yourself to David & Jackie and talk to them about how they make their product. They are two of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, and you’ll be amazed at the dedication they have to their product. And if they are giving out samples, by all means, get your hands on one! De-lish!

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Eric Jerome Dickey

On Wednesday, August 26th, eleven time New York Times bestselling author Eric Jerome Dickey launched the publicity tour for his latest novel, Resurrecting Midnight, at Books & Books. The exciting event was packed with over one hundred adoring fans, which was not hard to understand once Eric took his place at the podium at Hollywood Theatres, where the wildly popular author held his book discussion. The demand to hear Eric speak about his book was so overwhelming that a larger venue to be arranged to accommodate the crowds! Eric is warm, friendly and very entertaining as a public speaker and he interacted frequently with his mostly-female audience. Dickey began his discussion by asking the audience which of his 12 novels they would most like to hear an excerpt from. One enthusiastic fan jumped up from her seat to offer her treasured copy of the The Other Woman. After reading a lengthy romantic passage from The Other Woman (amid many deep sighs from the audience) Dickey briefly introduced Resurrecting Midnight. He began his very first public reading of the new novel, which was released the previous day. What an honor for the Cayman Islands that he chose us! We were all enthralled as Eric offered a sneak peak into the steamy new thriller featuring sexy international assassins, Gideon and Arizona. Dickey then answered as many questions as he could before heading over to Books & Books for the book signing. More than 100 excited fans lined up and waited for their chance to meet the popular author, get a photo, and get their books signed. I watched Eric as he met dozens of his fans and he obviously enjoys this interaction; this is what makes him “tick”.

The event is yet another success in Books & Books Visiting International Author Series, sponsored by Sunshine Suites and Ogiers.

Books & Books    Town Centre of Camana Bay      345-640-2665

www.booksandbooks.com

www.camanabay.com

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Cayman Airways

What can you do with $89 US dollars in the Cayman Islands? Grab a dinner and a few fancy drinks at Seven Mile Beach, or go to Turtle Farm for the day and have lunch? For now, with the same money, you can book a trip to Florida on Cayman Airways. There is a CRAZY CHEAP SALE going on that the moment with Cayman Airways. If are itchin’ to pop up to Florida for a Disney weekend or to pick up some cute summer clothes, this is the time to grab a cheap tickets and GO! Tickets to the lovely Sister Islands are going for as low as $39, and NYC tickets are as low as $129! What’s your excuse? GET OUT OF TOWN!

Shoppers: I was just in Tampa this weekend on the two-for-one Cayman Airways airfare sale. US Retailers have some great deals going on right now.  The tippy-top stores like Nordstrom’s have serious sales racks out and TJ Maxx, Marshall’s & Ross have so much merchandise at $9.99 you can barely get through it all. Cayman Airways still allows two 55 lbs pieces of luggage per passenger, plus a carry on bag. That allows a girl some serious shopping! (You still have to settle up with Cayman Islands Customs upon your return, but that’s between you & them).

These phenomenal sale fares are in honour of the company’s 41st anniversary in August.

Customers can now book tickets to Miami and Tampa for US$89, to Jamaica for just US$69, New York for US$129, and La Ceiba for US$79!
Travel to the Sister Islands is also seeing big discounts, with tickets reduced to US$39!

**These fares are one way, taxes and fees are not included, seats are limited at these rates, and booking restrictions apply.

Booking period is now through August 7th, 2009, and travel must be completed by December 9, 2009.

To book, visit www.caymanairways.com, call 929-2311, or contact your local travel agent.

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Shop, Save and be entertained this summer at Governors Square at the special Summer Nights at The Square Event. This Thursday evening, July 30th, from 5:00-7:00PM, there will be live music by the Rum Runners, a fashion show courtesy of Funky Monkey, lots of tasty treats and drinks from Prime, TCBY, Tortuga Liquors, and Perk Up, and fun stuff like cooking demos from Bon Vivant.

Lots of other retailers will be there to entertain you with summer specials & discounts. So pop by and have some fun at The Square this Thursday evening.

Summer Nights at The Square                Governors Square,  West Bay Road

Thursday July 30th,  5:00-7:00PM

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The Book of Walla

The Cayman Islands has another reason to brag! Murali Ram, a local author, has published a fascinating novel that is making waves in the international literary world. Murali has recently published The Book of Walla, his debut novel, and will be at a book signing at Books & Books on Friday, July 31st at 7:00 PM. Don’t miss your chance to discuss the book with Murali and get a signed copy of the book at this exciting event.

About the Book

The central character in the book is Dr. Shoorab. His world is ripped as a result of a violent riot outside of a Hindu temple. Convinced that a religious dogma is liable for his loss, he decides to sue God, naming various religious councils as joint defendants. The litigation forces bishop, mufti and swami to temporarily put aside their differences and pull to together in defense of their respective faiths-and God. Amid global unrest calling for dismissal of the lawsuit, the trial judge finds himself in a particular dilemma as curious events unfold in the courtroom, conscious that his decision could change the world.

About the Author

Murali Ram Krishn was raised in Georgetown, Penang, where he was exposed to a number of world religions. Fascinated by the mystery of faith, he traveled across the globe learning about culture and religion. As a world traveler and attorney, he constantly dealt with the many facets of human character. Having lived in racially polarized Malaysia and in class-conscious England, he currently resides in the laid back Cayman Islands with wife, daughter & son. Murali is an Associate at Mourant  de Fue & Jeune-Cayman.

Murali Ram

The Book of Walla is now available for purchase at Books & Books.

Books and Books

Camana Bay
45 Market Street
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
345.640.BOOK (2665)

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Starvin Artists

Finally! Grand Cayman has local co-op of talented artists, sharing unique and original works of art with the community.

Ivan Mclean at work

Kara Julian creating art

Starvin’ Artists      345-945-5014

#5 Bay Harbour Center

Sunday-Friday 9:30-6:00

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Maybe you’re here on vacation, or maybe you live here, and you’ve decided to stick around and “Staycation” in Grand Cayman instead of heading off-island. And why not? It’s fabulous in GC as long as you don’t have to put a suit on and sit behind a desk somewhere! But girls, some cute new clothes are in order if you’re going to be “Staycationing”  in town; you need a few new things to wear in order to get into the Off Duty Mood.

As usual, Funky Monkey has the perfect summer stock to perk up your summer wardrobe. Grab a new sexy T shirt or a whimsical dress and some catchy costume jewelry to mix things up.  The all-new stock from LA Class is light, sexy, body skimming and comfy. Also look for fresh tops from Pink Lotus, Green Dragon, and Pico & Salsa Jewelry too (as in way cute cuffs, necklaces, rings & belts).

Funky Monkey has the stuff you want, the stuff you need, and the stuff won’t be able to live without once you try it on! My favorite is still Vata, the best work out clothes on the planet. Vata will make you look 5 lbs thinner, 5 years younger and in better shape than you are….trust me! Try it on and see for yourself. I used to own a ton of bargain workout gear and I swapped it all out for a few precious Vata outfits: it’s that good! Plus it lasts forever. One size fits all (seriously) and it will make you feel like a super-babe. Read all about Vata on their fun website: http://www.vatabrasil.com/

Funky Monkey
Governors Square

Telephone:    (345)-943-8659   

Funky Monkey

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Cayman Airways

Hey, Cayman chicks, are you looking for a reason to pop up to Miami or Tampa and get some “retail therapy”? Then check out the two-for-one sale at Cayman Airways. Summer travel on Cayman Airways is getting another boost this year with a special “Companion Flies Free” sale! I was a little skeptical about this deal, but I checked it out and it’s the real thing!  I picked up tickets with a girlfriend of mine: round trip, Grand Cayman-Tampa, under $275 US! That leaves quite a bit of shopping money left for Tampa International Mall!

This sale can be booked through June 26th and is good for travel through September 30th.

Applicable to most Cayman Airways destinations, the “free companion” offer applies when accompanied by one full-fare-paying adult travelling round trip. Companions must travel on the same itinerary, and taxes and fees are not included in this special.

Full fare tickets to US gateways this summer start at US$308. Seats are limited for this special and may not be available on every flight, so early booking is recommended. Regular change fees and baggage restrictions apply.

To book, visit www.caymanairways.com , call Cayman Airways reservations on 345-949-2311, or call your local travel agent. You better call soon, some flights are sold out, and the sale ends Friday. Get your butt on one of these flights soon!

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Go Girl Personal Shoppers

The number one complaint I hear from gals living in the Cayman Islands has to be “No Shopping Malls.” Thanks to a fabulous new shopping service now available to Cayman Islands residents, that problem is solved! Visit http://www.gogirlpersonalshoppers.com/ to see the details of how this groovy service works. The service is called called “Go Girl Personal Shoppers“.

It’s a super cool web-based service. First, you fill out a few client info forms. Then, you start shopping! All the best retailer websites are on the Go Girl site, like Nordstroms, Gucci, Fendi, Victoria’s Secret, etc. You can specify the actual style or let them shop for what you want (as in “little black dress”). For a fee, they take care of the rest. The Go Girls team are also expert style consultants, who can create an actual wardrobe for you, based on trends, your preferences in colors, brands, and other factors.

The Go Girls team is based in southern Florida (naturally, where the real stores are!) and they are on-island tonight (June 6th) to launch the Cayman Go Girl services at a chic party at Abacus. The launch party is 7:00-11:00PM at Abacus in Camana Bay. Wear black.

See you there, Cayman Fashionistas!

Go Girls Personal Shoppers            Telephone  954-342-3898

http://www.gogirlpersonalshoppers.com/

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