Looking Up...old bay

Living above the shop on Queen St. W.

Friday Frequencies

We are in a bit of of a "Spring Time in Paris" mood,of late.

 Oh, what the heck,were in the mood for Paris,toujours!!

Who's kidding who here??

 So while you listen to this tune,



(this was the only one available for this song, other than a "Fight Girl" video,which doesn't fit in too well with our pacifist point of view) 

...have a look at these great shots from one of our favorite sites,

design-dautore.com...and dream...

  Photo courtesy of mtowbe/flicker

..and as they in Paris "Bon week-end mes chéries..bisous"

Seen...spring arrives on the balcony

The Honeysuckle has been in leaf for well over 10 days now. With the incredible weather this past week, Jay got busy & cleaned up the balconies, installed the garden furniture, and re-oiled the teak dining table. And to finish it all off, how could he not resist a dollop of Spring colour. It makes the world a better place, don't you think?

Casa Solaris- Bee and Jays' Excellent Off-the-Grid Adventure

As many of our friends here know, we've recently returned from a quick week in our little corner of heaven, the island of Vieques in Puerto Rico. The unintended theme this year ended up being "screw tradition"! Our trip was limited to one week instead of the usual two, it was hastily put together about 6 days before departure date instead of a couple of months ahead and, remarkably, we managed to secure an affordable flight and, best of all, one of the island's scarce rental cars- all on incredibly short notice. So in keeping with the unpredictable aspect of our fledgling holiday, we decided to forgo our customary digs at Hix Island House and stay in their exciting new Casa Solaris structure.

If you've so-far missed the buzz about this place, listen up. Casa Solaris builds on the Hix Island House fundamentals of treading lightly on the planet, but takes them to the next level. The structure, like the five others on the inn's site, eschews air conditioning in favour of capturing the constant trade winds to provide for cooling and ventilation. To do so, large openings without glass face straight into the breezes. A natural and constant air flow is maintained by positioning smaller openings on the sheltered face of the buildings creating a horizontal chimney effect. Those same breezes coupled with ceiling and night table fans provide natural pest control, further validating the lack of glass windows! We come home from HIH feeling like we've spent every minute of our vacation outdoors, and for warmth-starved northerners that's a lot of extra bang for our vacation buck!

Casa Solaris has gone to the next level by completely removing itself from the electrical grid. Up on the roof there are 24 solar photo-voltaic panels that feed the building's electrical system, and two 50-gallon solar hot water panels that more than amply provide each unit's hot water needs. Down in the "Engine Room" is an inverter that converts the direct current electricity from the solar collectors into the regular AC current that all of our homes operate on. The power is stored in 12 large batteries, and to ensure it isn't needlessly squandered, the appliances are all energy efficient, and the light fixtures use LED bulbs.

But enough dry stats- let's let the building's architect John Hix give you the full low-down:

So, you must be asking what kind of sacrifices we had to make to stay at a place so virtuous. Let's face it, we've all been conditioned to believe that giving up oil must entail a compensatory hardship. (In fact, forward thinking designers are now so concerned about this "bad rap" against sustainable living that they're actively fighting to counter the idea of virtuous sacrifice. The most vocal, Danish architect Bjarke Ingels who we covered here, espouses a philosophy of hedonistic sustainability. Instead of forcing us to give something up, he says, let's encourage sustainable practices by actually getting immediate and obvious rewards.) 

Well, guess what? That's exactly what you get at Casa Solaris. If all the good stuff going on behind the scenes wasn't spelled out, you wouldn't have a clue that you were saving the planet! All you focus on is the gracious Caribbean living you're enjoying so much. So let's have a look at what we mean!

The building has six loft units, two on each of three levels. A central exterior staircase capped with a yellow soffit provides access to each of the upper level units. Although we stayed in the loft on the north side of the second level, we had a chance to see each of the three floors. Here's a peek at the loft directly above us at the top of the building. The main difference between this unit and ours is that it has only one exterior terrace; it's on the east end with the sea view down island, and is completely open to the sky above.

Bragging rights: like many of the lofts, this one has photo murals featuring pics taken on previous visits by your intrepid correspondents:

We chose the unit we did because we appreciated the open outdoor spaces at each end of the 2nd floor lofts. As you can see below, after entering from the central stair onto the west terrace there is a complete flow of space through the loft to the living terrace at the other end, with its magnificent sea view.

The entrance gives onto the kitchen which is large and well- appointed. A full- sized fridge is a bonus, as is the gas cooktop and deep sink with gorgeous Grohe faucet. As in all HIH units, the surfaces of the counters and table are polished concrete. We loved the slimmed-down edge profile, and we always put the table to good use. The cabinet fronts, like all the wood in the loft, have a warm gray wash, giving a very contemporary appearance.

As is our wont, we put the kitchen through its paces. With only a couple of exceptions we had all of our dinners at home, as well as fresh tropical breakfasts and delicious lunches.

Opposite the kitchen is a great bank of storage cubbies and hanging rack, all tastefully concealed with a heavy cotton curtain. This storage area leads into the generous washroom with long concrete vanity, another tasteful Grohe faucet, and ample Frette towels, robes, and the inn's trademark Neeva Gayle Shirts. (Think fine cotton mens' dress shirts made extra long...perfect for lounging)

And of course, the signature Hix Island House outdoor shower is just off the bathroom, separated from the terrace with a curving wall that's just high enough. That's it in the picture below, with the towel drying rack beside it. There's nothing better that lathering up while gazing down the island at the blue Caribe, and rinsing off with solar- heated water that's so plentiful you have to keep it dialed back to the cool side.

Of course, all eyes eventually must return to the amazing Cinemascope view (even when you're enjoying the king bed). It's truly mesmerizing in all conditions, and on this level the underside of the upstairs terrace really frames the vista. As captivating as an aquamarine sea view is, watching one of the frequent quick tropical storms approach is a highlight.

Finally, as the day wanes the shadows grow longer and the light becomes golden- truly the magic hour!

So there you have it- our excellent adventure off-grid. What a great week it was! Somehow the spontaneity of the planning and our decision to try out the new lodgings seemed to make each day really count. And what a bonus knowing our pampered days and nights were actually rather virtuous! Hedonistic sustainability- we could definitely get used to it!

*******

Hix Island House

Vieques, Puerto Rico 00765

(787) 741- 2302

info@hixislandhouse.com

friday frequencies...Esperanza plucks our strings!

The amazing Esperanza Spalding released a new album, Radio Music Society, this week. We haven't had the opportunity to listen to it yet, other than its first heavily promoted single Black Gold, but we surely will. Apparently Esperanza conceived of her most recent previous album, Chamber Music Society, and the new album as comprising a set...two sides of the virtuoso bassist's musical personality best appreciated as a whole. Here's a taste from Chamber Music Society to get you in the mood. It's "Inútil Paisagem" by Antonio Carlos Jobim, also featuring the amazing Gretchen Parlato: (You know how we're suckers for Brazilian music!)

...and the best news of all? Esperanza will be bringing her Radio Music Society show to Nathan Phillips Square on June 28th of this year as part of the TD Toronto Jazz Festival!

*******

May your bass notes be as deep and resonant as can be this wonderful weekend!

Bobofeed's First Muse??

 A "Muse" is by definition "one that inspires a creative artist".

 Michelle Harper we believe,fits this title beautifully.

With her signature Birkin bag and Louboutins,she is at once creative as well as inspiring with her sense of fun and whimsy.From what we have heard other attributes include her great sense of humour and generosity.
Most of all we do not believe that she takes her self too seriously,
which makes her the ideal for Bobofeed's first muse.

 Photo by: Clemence Clois

Photo by: alltheprettybirds

Born in Columbia and New York raised,this couture wearing benefactor has been seen at all the right "boites" and bistros,usually accompanying one of her many designer "boyfriends".
She has sponsored her own galas such as one recently for Casita Maria,an organization providing assistance to Latin American children in Harlem and the Bronx.

Photo courtesy of Bossip.com

Photo by:Graig Arends

Photo by: alltheprettybirds

A philanthropist,she also serves on the F.I.T Couture Counsel.
Having seen her photographed outside the shows numerous times,this appears to involve going to all the "European Couture Presentations",with perhaps a little shopping on the side.

 Ah but to be able to spend some time with Michelle while she shops at her favourites,

Y.S.L.,Dior by John Galliano and Alexander McQueen among others.

 Photo courtesy: Style Tao

Photo courtesy of : contactmusic.com

Never one to shy from color,she continues to use her unique vision of fashion with an eccentric mix of both vintage and couture.Fashion simply is her life.

"I love the GAP and all that but it's not what gets me up in the morning" 

is a particular quote that has endeared Michelle Harper to us.

Photo by: Noel Sutherland

  

Muse to Victor de Souza, and Zak Posen and recently interviewed by Jeannie for a spot on Fashion T.V,we love her sense of humour and above all, her intellect...

Photo courtesy of luxuryobsessed.com

another quote...

"Because nothing inspiring is flawless or perfect.

It's in the failures,the experiments and the unique that I find the greatest joy".

  Photo by: New York Social Diary

Photo courtesy of guest of guest

We recently came across this great video "spoof" by the great Steven Meisel
and his version of the "Shopping Network",
where Ms.Harper and her signature,vintage,butterfly glasses feature prominently.
Also a favourite from the video is a particular fetching red hat.

This solidified her as our muse of the moment,with tongue firmly in cheek.

For more amazing and inspirational images of the incomparable Ms.Harper,

Photo courtesy of guestofaguest.com

...we suggest you follow her on tumblr,where she has a page.

Salsa Sunday...hasta luego, Puerto Rico!

An ode this lovely Sunday to Puerto Rico from Jerry Rivera. Things really kick in at around 2:20:

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!!

friday frequencies...

...Puerto Rico still very much in our blood, especially with the great weather around here. No surprise- the vid's a little cheesy (quesodad?) This is Kevin Ceballo con Mi Primer Amor. LOVE his band!

Have a great weekend!!!

Seen...why did the chicken cross the road?

Why, to get to the beach, of course!

Seen...Puerto Rican Puddle Jumping

Final approach into San Juan International

friday frequencies...lost without

...and so, it's time to return home after one short week. We're already feeling a little out of sorts and we know that next week we'll be feeling lost without...our Vieques, our warm weather, our Caribbean blue...our freedom. And so, just as we kicked our little vacay off with some Ricky, so we will end it. Here's another old sentimental favourite, Perdidio Sin Ti.

We hope you have a great weekend...and don't lose anything!

See you next week!

Looking up...

The new Casa Solaris at Hix Island House in Vieques.

Big post on this amazing place to follow!

Salsa Sunday

Hola from sunny Puerto Rico. Time to get out of bed and get your booties movin'! Perfect for doing chores around the house. Want more? Hace un clic aqui!

friday frequencies...Vamos a Vieques!

Vieques es La Bomba! That's all we can say. We've gone this year from thinking we wouldn't be able to make it down there to putting together a quick visit within one week. And that includes nailing down the ever elusive vehicle!

Many years ago we saw this video on a MuchMusic program we used to watch called Clip Trips. Jay turned to Bee and asked "Who IS that boy?" Soon after he became a household name, and now he no longer feels obliged to end his videos by helping a sexy naked woman out of a pool.

We're spending the next week in Vieques and, as usual, we hope to post a little but we're not going to go too crazy- this is recharge time! So we hope you have un fin de semana muy agradable and we'll see you soon!

..and, Puerto Rico, you are in our blood forever!