Governors Square

Tomorrow, September 18th will be a fun day at Governor’s Square. Cost-U-Less is celebrating their three year anniversary in The Cayman Islands a wee bit early with a big sale on household & grocery items, and many Governors Square stores are jumping on the bandwagon to make it a festive & interesting day! Make sure to stop by and see a fantastic Funky Monkey fashion show, nibble some free sweets, and even sip a free Mimosa! Here are a few of the things going on tomorrow at Governors Square:

Cost-U-Less: serious savings on household and grocery items, all day!

TCBY: free yogurt samples, all day

Tortuga Liquors: wine tastings & free sample of rum cake

Spa Del Soul: full service salon offering a 20% discount on the Thai herbal massage Friday & Saturday

Funky Monkey: Cayman’s hippest fun wear boutique for all your yoga, sporty & beachy needs! Check out The Rack for 40-75% off. Don’t miss the fashion shows at 11:30 and 1:00 PM on Saturday!

The Dance Studio: Offering lessons to all ages in ballroom dancing, Bollywood, Indian Classical and Salsa. Stop in Saturday and watch dancers perform!

Bon Vivant: Offers the very best products to make your culinary experience the most pleasurable! Visit the green egg by the tent for a sample!

Welcome Home: Beautiful, truly unique home furnishings. Stop by for 5% off and a Mimosa!

Just Add Water: ladies boutique with stunning evening & casual wear. Chic handbags and amazing sparking costume jewelry! Stop by for a Mimosa and 15% off shoes!

Perk Up: Coffee, Salads, Sandwiches, yummy sweet treats. Free samples Saturday 11:00AM-1:00PM!

I just mentioned a few of the businesses at Governors Square, but there are many, many more. Make a plan to stock up at Cost-U-Less (we are in the middle of hurricane season, after all!) and have a little fun with the other folks at Governors Square, too. Don’t miss the free samples at TCBY! (You’ll end up buying a full size treat, if you’re anything like me.) Make sure you catch one of the Funky Monkey fashion shows; all the clothes are terrific and just perfect for our busy island life.

See you there!

Governors Square     West Bay Road

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Charming Compatible Beads

I finally made my way into 24k-Mon Jewelers & Art Gallery today, and the first thing I thought of, is “Why did I wait so long?!” This lovely jewelry store and art gallery has a wealth of truly unique treasures, many of them produced locally, with a wide variety of price ranges to suit every budget. It’s really like two stores in one. Most retail establishments that try the dual approach can’t pull this off, but 24k-Mon is the exception; the jewelry offerings and the artwork are seamlessly displayed. Much of the handcrafted, locally made jewelry is unique enough to be labeled artwork!

There is fine artwork worthy of the Ritz-Carlton, and are priced accordingly. But there are tons of stunning pieces that look just as expensive, priced at just a few hundred dollars, and some are priced less. Owner Gale Tibbetts has a very wide range of original paintings and prints by local artists such as April Bending, Lorna Griggs, Debbie Tibbetts-Husted, Sue Widmer, Steve Warren, Hollace Katay, Guy Harvey, Jayne Ford, and Lois Brezinski. There are paintings and prints, and painted sculptures made of brass, bronze, porcelain, acrylic and glass. Choose from collectible items such as painted and etched wine glasses, tiles, teapots, vases, paperweights, hand painted hand bags, and porcelain dolls. There are lots of whimsical hand painted plaques for a lighthearted and inexpensive gifts.

Right now, there is a fantastic sale going at 24k-Mon Jewelers and Art Gallery! Most of the framed art prints are 40% off, and many other items in the Gallery such as sculptures and other art pieces are 50% off! Hurry in to get a special piece for your home. Or shop now for birthdays, the holidays, or other special occasions.

Sea Animal Charms

Do take a peek at the jewelry while you are there! The “Compatible Component” Beads, in Sterling Silver, are interchangeable with Pandora, but with a Cayman twist! Your bracelet can have a flavor that belongs only to you. Check out the Turtle, Ray, Mermaid and Conch pieces (also available in 14kt.) The beads can go onto earrrings, cords, bracelets, chains, and others accessories to create your own special jewelry. I fell madly in love with “Bee Line Designs”, a fresh and ravishing line designed by local, on-staff designers with bold, semi precious materials. The pieces started at $60.00 and could easily go higher but have a very expensive look that could fit in on any runway in NYC or Paris. It’s a timeless, sexy line that I am going to invest in. I haven’t seen anything that unique in a quite some time. Sophisticated and good looking! Patricia Ebanks, one of the designers, told me that a portion of each sale go to breast cancer awareness. So you can feel great about looking great!

14kt Yellow Gold Charm

24k-Mon Jewelers & Art Gallery

Located at Buckingham Square, Seven Mile Beach on West Bay Road

Telephone: 345-949-1499  www.24k-monjewelers.com

Open Monday through Saturday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

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arteccentrix gallery

If you are feeling blah lately, stop in to arteccentrix gallery in Governors Square to lift your spirits. Even if you aren’t in the market for fine art at this exact moment, you’ll find yourself feeling refreshed and inspired by the beautiful array of fine artwork. It’s like going to a mini-museum! The gallery is full of bright colors, and there is some stunning three dimensional artwork. I fell in love with some ravishing sculptures made from solid Caymanite; a rare semi precious stone. ( I am still scheming about how to fit the sculpture into my budget; it is fabulous.)

Artist Al Ebanks

If you can find your way in before April 22nd, it’s worth seeing Cayman artist Al Ebanks’ ”Beyond” Exhibition. Al is a local Caymanian artist who has gained immense popularity and respect in Cayman and abroad. His work is on display in galleries in Chicago and Miami as well as many private collections in Cayman and in the US. Al’s style has been described “a fresh twist of Abstract and Impressionist Art”. His work is powerful, complex and delightful to behold in person, and it’s worth a trip to arteccentrix this week to have a look at the collection.

It’s worth stopping in arteccentrix anytime. Owners Nickola McKoy-Snell and Maurice Snell keep an ever-changing variety of exciting local artwork in the gallery. They plan on expanding the inventory to include more international artists as the gallery matures. Nickola is a talented artist herself, and feels fulfilled now that she is immersed in the art world full time. (With a laugh, she recalled recently that she found herself doodling and drawing in her previous career, since being an artist has always been her true calling.) The couple have a passion for highlighting local artists, and making beautiful fine art available for all of us here in Cayman. Make sure you pop in soon. It’s not a stuffy place at all; the owners are friendly and you’ll learn a lot about art. And you’ll feel cheered up-I sure did!

arteccentrix gallery is open Monday-Friday 10:00-6:00, and Saturday 10:00-4:00PM.

Telephone 345-927-2076    nickola@arteccentrixgallery.com

www.arteccentrixgallery.com

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Jewelry Collection

If you are looking to accessorize your holiday outfits this season, there’s a gorgeous new store to visit: Topaz. You can grab something sparkly without breaking the bank! It’s a very unique store, and different than anything in Cayman. All the jewelry is set with genuine semi-precious stones, straight from the mines of Sri Lanka. The jewelry is handmade, and the difference is subtle and noticeable in the way it wears and feels. Some of the pieces are chunky and bold, and some pieces are as delicate as lace; but it’s all got an exotic feel and look that is just lovely. What I just adored is that since the pieces are handcrafted, no two are identical, so you will own your own little unique masterpiece when you purchase from Topaz.

Garnet and Sterling

This all sounds pricey, doesn’t it? It’s not! The owners buy and import directly, so the prices are amazing! I picked up a stunning pair of Peridot and 14k yellow gold earrings (OK, they were supposed to be a Christmas gift but I kept them for myself) that are were just $75.00 US! That is what a decent pair of branded costume earrings cost these days, so why not spend your money on semi-precious gemstones and jewelry that will stand the test of time? They have a wide selection of chains, necklaces, bangles, bracelets and rings with Blue Topaz, Garnet, Citrine, Peridot and Amethyst set in sterling, as well as a limited selection in 14k Gold. There is a also a beautiful collection in Agate, Onyx, Lapis, freshwater pearls, Pink Coral and crystal, as well as a lighthearted collection in glass beads. Prices start at $30.00 US.

Everything has a sexy, special look to it, and the staff will help you select something that works for your face shape and hair, etc. The store is elegantly appointed and cozy; it’s not the “cruise ship” shopping experience. Take your time and try on some of the larger pieces-I fell madly in love with a mesh necklace like you see Beyonce and other stars wearing: 14k and loaded with shimmering Peridot for only $320.00 US. (Hint,hint, Santa, if you are reading this!)

Pop in to this elegant store soon and get something for yourself, or a gift for someone special. You’ll be thrilled with the selection, quality and value at Topaz. At the 4-way stop across from George Town Hospital, in the Serendipity Building, 78 Hospital Road.

Telephone: 345-949-7661

Monday-Saturday, 10:00AM-7:00PM

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Funky Monkey

Wishes do come true: my favorite boutique in Cayman, Funky Monkey just added 600 square feet of shopping heaven! YES! Funky Monkey blasted into the Cayman Islands last year and has been blowing breath after breath of fresh fashion air at us ever since. They have the hippest, hottest fashion trends in both men’s and women’s apparel and they constantly introduce new lines and designers. The new space showcases an expanded men’s section with several red hot new lines like Archaic (an Affliction Brand), Stone Rose & Havana 9, added to the super trendy Ed Hardy & True Religion brands.

Prices are good, as usual. Archaic has mens jeans & tees, with men’s jeans starting at CI $99.00. Sinful has ladies jeans and beautiful bejeweled tees, with ladies jeans starting at CI $128.00. (I just shopped designer jeans in the US and $128.00 is not a bad price!) Body Language has ladies dresses and tops for the holidays made of silk or chiffon and embellished with stones and other pretties, all starting at CI $82.00.  Banana Moon sunwear from Monaco has two piece bathing suits starting at CI $70.00 (again, a good price if you compare to other Seven Mile Beach shops for quality swimwear) and men’s dress shirts for CI $120.00. The best part is, the styles are unique. Time & again, I find myself shopping at Funky Monkey and getting compliments off-island about my cool cothes-imagine that!

Added Space

With more retail space, new brands, and room for even more sexy and fun inventory, Funky Monkey continues to influence the face of fashion in Cayman. Funky Monkey is located in the lower level of Governor’s Square across the parking lot from Cost U Less. If you can’t find something to try on, ask chic owner Jodi for some assistance. She always helps her clients to find something just right to wear-to the beach, the gym, the cocktail party, or the big night out. She’s got the best stuff! Tell her the goddess sent ya!

Jeans

Funky Monkey
Governors Square

Telephone:    (345)-943-8659 

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Jack Kenner

On Tuesday, November 17th, 2009, at 7:00 PM, gifted international wildlife photographer Jack Kenner will visit Books & Books to give a visual presentation on the basics of wildlife and pet photography. Kenner will also sign copies of his books Dogs I’ve Nosed and Dogs I’ve Nosed II.

Book Cover

Jack Kenner is an extremely talented photographer, comfortable in the confines of the studio or the unpredictable outdoors. His international reputation comes from his incredible eye for detail, his compositional talents, his use of dark backgrounds, vivid colors, and a shallow depth of field. For Kenner, 2004 was a year of transformation. After spending 35 years in film, he became totally immersed in digital fine art: black and white, and color photography.

On May 2nd, 2004, Kenner woke up, unable to utter a word. Thinking he had a sinus infection, he worked as usual, but found that his inability to communicate behind the camera limited him more than he had expected. After 5 days with no improvement, he consulted with specialists, who found that his laryngeal nerve had disconnected from his vocal cord, and he was unable to speak above a faint whisper. He was told his nerve would take up to a year to heal. Instead of putting his career on hold, Jack decided to teach himself digital photography. He began bringing dogs into the studio to to practice lighting ratios and giclees printing.

Kenner has since taken hundreds of portraits of dogs. including Steven Segal’s Great Dane, and Cybill Shepard’s two German Shepards. Kenner has compiled many of these  stirring images into his books “Dogs I’ve Nosed” and “Dogs I’ve Nosed II”.

Please join Jack Kenner On Tuesday, November 17th, 2009, at 7:00 PM, at Books & Books in Camana Bay, to meet him in person, and learn more about his special talents.

Dogs

Books and Books

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

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Are you in need of fine wines or spirits for your home liquor cabinet? The time to buy is Wild & Wacky Wednesdays in October at any Tortuga Rum retail location, because the folks at Tortuga are offering an unheard of 15% off of any wine or spirits purchase! Stock up now for the holidays, hostess gifts, parties, or for your own personal enjoyment! Tortuga has a fantastic selection of wines and spirits at every location. I don’t know a gosh-darn thing about wines, and the helpful staff is always terrific when I’m shopping for a party or a gift. They know their products, can help with food & wine pairings and can assist even the most clueless wine buyer (like me) with making an intelligent wine purchase. The selection of spirits and wine is excellent. My picky houseguests always make a stop at Tortuga to get a bottle of their favorite top-shelf indulgence when they stay with us, since they know Tortuga has everything from the basics to top of the line spirits and wines.

Stop in at any of the five Tortuga locations (see flyer) and pick up your favorite libations for 15% off, this Wednesday or any Wednesday in October.

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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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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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