March is the month...

March is the month of renewal. It's Spring! Time to think of gardening. Go directly to www.natureperfect.com for a great selection of lucky bamboo. Not really bamboo, but it looks like it. And we love it is because it's the perfect island traveler's plant...it grows with almost no attention. In other words, lucky bamboo is the houseplant of choice for those of you who prefer traveling over gardening.

"Two Reasons to Go"

There're two reasons to go to the island of St. Croix in March. It's the month of parades & house tours. The best of both found in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Observing St. Patrick's Day on a tropical island seems strange. But they "do it up" big with the annual parade on St. Croix. You'll enjoy decorated floats, music (more tin drum style than fiddle style) & wearin' of the green. And lots of beer if you want.

The island house tours have been a March event since 1954. This year they are held on 3 different days in 3 different towns. See gardens, traditional architecture & the inside of some great island homes. It's the only way you'll get to enjoy them up close & personal like this.

"Book Now to Live it Later"


We're always looking for somewhere else to rest our heads in style. After scouring our sources for someplace noteworthy, we think you'll like Hotel Little Good Harbour And March would be a good time to book it for this winter, since it's starting to make big waves for itself on the island of Barbados.

The hotel is made up of a small group of luxury guest cottages in the island's old, "chattel" architectural style. Its off-the-beaten path setting is a charming fishing beach, on the Northwest coast of the island. Little Good Harbour has an authentic West Indian style that's discreetly hip. It's a far cry from the overdone Sandy Lane. It evokes an island spirit, not decadent display of wealth, that much of the island has succumbed to.

"Extra, Extra. Read All About It"

It's about time. A new islandstyle book about the Greek Islands (and mainland Greece), is due out this month. It's simply called "Country Houses in Greece," published by Taschen Books. You'll be treated to photos of old, whitewashed interiors with simple Greek furnishings, along with homes that are contemporary masterpieces of design.

Barbara & Renee Stoeltie are a dynamic book duo. As authors & photographers, they've produced a number of wonderful style books over the years. "Living in Majorca" is one of our favorites. All of their books are well researched, with just enough copy to highlight the photos. We only wish the publisher didn't feel the need to give them padded covers...our bookshelves need all the extra room there is for more island style books yet to come!

"Small is Big"


Her name may be "Small" but her jewelry is anything but! Pippa Small's jewelry makes a statement. A big one. In the March issue of Elle magazine www.elle.com the article, "A Passage to India," reports on 4 savvy women, gathering inspiration for their creative endeavors from India's vast canvas.

Pippa's inspiration from India has resulted in some perfect islandstyle jewelry, sold through Barney's in New York City & Ikram in Chicago. The shell cuff bracelets & necklaces are works of art. Log onto her website www.pippasmall.com and see if you want to wear "her" to your next port of call.