FUNCTIONAL ART

This is not my skirt but rather the awesome bag my cousin gave me for my birthday! She actually got it from an organization here that recycles tents into these wonderful little things.
The designs, which vary by bag are beaded by hand rendering them even more valuable. They're cool, artsy and easy to wear. The artisanat in this country is just out of this world!
I get comments from both men and women when they see it. If I'm out for a long day, I can easily throw in my notebooks, lunch, shoes, etc. Perfect!

LAKAY

So on Friday, my sister and I went to the Place St Pierre Christmas Fair. It was great! Especially because of the quick transformation that happened in the plaza. It went from a tent city to a renovated place ready to host a fair. Kudos to the mayor!

All the vendors were artisans selling their works from jewelry, to clothing, sandals, handbags, etc… I opted for this fè dekoupe cuff which I paired with this outfit from my mom’s atelier de couture. The vest makes a statement, no?

Hope everyone has a great Christmas…

HAITI ON MY HEAD

Love my baseball cap? I do too. Thought it was an amazing find when the beach vendor showed up with a laye full of goodies. I don’t think I had ever seen millinery made this way. I had to buy it.

Made out of fèy bannann (banana leaves) it definitely makes a statement! I can even be bold and say that it reminds me of the Louis Vuitton pattern. Ha!

Gotta love the patch of Haiti on the front and the neutral colors that can practically match anything. I think I’m going to wear it this summer in New York.

SWEET ART

While waiting for Maureen to wrap up her assignment, I stumbled upon Les Créations Moro shop. Perfect stop while in Jacmel. I used to see the unique creations online and was too pleased to finally visit the place.

So many things to entice you in the shop: from masks to dishware. I opted for a fè dekoupe butterfly ring and papier mâché pendants. The owner and his wife vibrant personalities bring even more life to an already animated merchandise.

MORE HERBS PLEASE

Bèlzèb (Beautiful Herb) is the brand of these botanical wonders ranging from teas to beauty.

I grabbed these soaps at the PAP airport on my way to freezing NY!

Vetiver is an excellent herb for Haiti with the following characteristics:

- Insect-repellent

- Antiseptic

- Controls erosion

The exotic scent of the herb is reminsicent of starry summer night skies of Haiti's country side.

The soaps are handcrafted, stirred by hand with a wooden spoon and cleanse so well.

I usually finish off with the brand's parsley body oil. I have to admit I was quite skeptical at the thought of parsley scent on my body but it absolutely smells great. Mwen santi bon (I smell good).

ISSSSS MINE....GIMMME!!!

Yes, that’s exactly what I said when I saw this breath of fresh air of a bag! I became like my then 2-year old munchkin buddy Maeva.

There were different designs of fè dekoupe but I chose the elephant because I know that most Haitians have never seen an elephant in their lives but artists here depict them very often in their crafts.

Grenn madjòk, the beads, were words I hadn’t heard in ages. Haitians used them a lot back in the days, especially to lock braids. Mwen renmen koulè grenn madjòk yo (I love the colors of the madjòk beads). And of course there is the added “green” factor of the recycled rice bag.

ONE STRAIGHT MOTHER %#@$#$

Three minutes ago I had a thermal and a wool cover on my back. One whiff and 2 sips later, I'm down to my tank top. This beverage sets you straight right away. The brand is Pam Alkon (not really sure what it means) but the ingredients are pineapple, grapefruit, oranges, spices and alchohol (must be kleren). I think this is one for those who can handle their liquor. Must definitely be consumed in moderation because I can predict the nasty hangover and the deep regrets. I like it and would offer it to guests, specially my foreign friends :-)