Our trip to Uganda

Now that I have settled back in to life here and feel more organized again, I finally have a moment to share more about my trip to Uganda.  We have been supporting kids at the Kibaale Community Centre for over 6 years.  We loved the fact that all our money goes directly to our child.  None of it is spent on administration because the administration costs are covered by another organization.  The other thing that struck me when deciding to sponsor a child is that I can have a social worker visit their home and find out what their needs are.  And then I can donate money for those specific needs to be met.

When I was asked to help plan a fundraiser for the Kibaale Community Centre I accepted the challenge.  The New Life Gala raised over $200 000 in support of this organization.  And we are doing it again!  On February 18th, 2017.  I had no idea this event was going to be the beginning of a relationship and commitment by my husband and I to this charity.  And now that we have seen it all with our own eyes and really looked at the ins and outs of this place, we are more committed than ever.

The first time I saw these smiling faces I almost completely fell apart.  It was amazing to finally be in Kibaale.  They instantly captured our hearts!

We had the opportunity to do home visits to meet our kids and their families.  This is a picture of our friend's sponsor child.  Her dad passed away years ago, and her mom just died a couple of months ago.  This is her grandma with her grandma's new baby... I guess her uncle!

This is Jankias, one of our sponsor kids and her family - with the goat we brought them!

 

This is where they live.

This is Henry, another one of our kids, with his new toys.  He has the brightest smile and the loveliest personality.  He was just diagnosed with epilepsy.  Kibaale Community Centre has been able to take him to the Dr.'s and get him proper medication for his condition.  Because he is sponsored Henry and his family can get free medical care at KCC.

This is Vicent.  He is a beautiful boy.  His dad is able to work at KCC doing grounds maintenance which supplements the family's income.

Kibaale is one of the most challenging regions of Uganda.  There is mostly no electricty and no running water.  It is ground zero for the AIDS/HIV epidemic and one of the most impacted areas of Africa.  The Kibaale Community Centre is a place of hope for the whole district.  Right now they are experiencing one of the most devastating droughts in recent history.  The centre has been able to give life saving famine relief supplies to hundreds of family in the area.

 

This is Caroline.  She is a special needs student.  Without KCC she would be an outcast of society.  But now she is thriving in school learning many life-giving skills including sign language.

Not everyone is pushed through school the same way.  Each child is given opportunities that best suit their needs.  This young man is learning a trade so that he will one day be able to use to support his family.

We also visited 2 single moms whose lives have been drastically changed by their child being sponsored.  Their stories and more will be told at the New Life Gala on February 18th.  We are still looking for sponsors for this amazing event.  Click HERE for more details.

We visited other areas and other organizations too.  This is Steven.  He looks about 6 months old, but he is 2.  He was taken from a home recently where he was being mistreated and is now living in a orphanage.  I want him!

And then a little fun with our friends.  Going on a trip like this is amazing.  But going on a trip like this with some of your dearest friends...  is beyond amazing!

 

And then a safari in Queen Elizabeth Park

In recent months my charity works has become such a big part of who I am.  Im so thankful that you've taken the time to read the story of our trip.  There is so so much more to tell.  

IDS West Roundup

I always love to go to IDSWest every year.  And this year was no exception!  I started off my visit with the Poppytalk Social Sessions.  This one was with Justina Blakeney of The Junglow.  It was so so great!  I was introduced to her, her brand and her thoughts on social media.  So glad I went.  LOVE HER!

Then off to listen to the lovely and incredible Emily Henderson.  I don't usually get all starry eyed, but I was seeing stars!  I love everything about her!  You must follow her.  She is lovely and so uber talented!

Of course it was great to stop by my friend Danielle Hardy's shop.  Her decals are stunning!  And she has been a busy girl lately as a mom... re-branding her company... and designing all these to die for decals! Check them out!

Urban Wall Decals

From what I saw at the show, you can tell that art under foot is really all the rage.  I came across some really lovely rugs!  And of course the hardwood flooring options are unbelievable!

Once a Tree booth

One of the design trends I love is matte black plumbing fixtures!  OH MY!  Its not for everyone, and maybe not every faucet in your home.  But seriously... These ones from Cantu are gorgeous!

And for those in a small space:  This furniture line is brilliant.  So creative and practical!

Resource Furniture

I was soooo excited to discover this company!  PURE & ORIGINAL.  This is a natural pigment paint company.  I am hoping to use their paints in project I am working hard on.  They are for furniture or walls.  This one makes the wall look like suede.. or limestone... or something soft and subtle like that!

I could go on...  you may just need to check it out yourself.  At the Vancouver Convention Centre till Sunday the 25th at 5pm.  Otherwise you'll have to wait till next fall!

We are Hiring

Are you interested in working in a creative and fun environment?  Be part of a growing brand?  We may have a position for you at Grapevine Designs.

Designer:  I am looking for a talented, organized and motivated designer.  Must have a good eye for design, but formal training is not a must.  Hours are flexible.  You will need to be able to work well independently, stay motivated and meet deadlines.  You will be given projects to work on your own and also as a team.

Assistant:  I am looking for a part time administrative/personal assistant.  This position offers flexible hours, the ability to work some hours from home and some in the office.  Also running errands.  While a good eye for design is not a must, it could be helpful.  Organizational skills and seeing a task through to completion are necessary.  Some of your responsibilities will be managing the office, dealing with receipts, payment of bills, following work order through to installation and phone calls.  Possibly some shopping too.

Email me at lisa@grapevinedesigns.ca.  Send your resume and tell me about yourself.  Let me know about your skills or interests.  Also let me know if you have any questions.  I will definitely get back to you.

Its no secret that Keats Island is my happy place.  I thought I would share some of our favourite spots a mile across the water in Gibsons.  Gibsons is fast becoming a popular summer destination.  You may remember Gibsons as the setting for the TV show Beachcombers.  Molly’s Reach is a permanent fixture at the entrance to the dock.  

Date night is always at Smitty’s.  A trendy oyster bar on the boardwalk in Gibsons.  You’ll always find their patio table plum full of people enjoying the yummy fare and salt air.

Often the kids will join us for dessert at Mike’s Place.  Not the fanciest place in town, but with arguably the world’s best Gelato. 

And for a take out lunch, you have to try the Smoke on the Water at the end of the pier.

Tuna wrap...  my mouth is watering

Deep fried oreos.  Yes, they are delicious!

A few really cute shops have popped up in recent years.  One of them being Swish.  I think they cater to a mature woman with really good taste.  Their inventory and merchandising are amazing.  They even have free parking!  Husband parking! 

I was most impressed with their selection of sunglasses!  Hmmm...  Which one do I choose?

Whimsy is another adorable shop that I never miss paying a visit to.

The new store in town is Flourish Boutique.  And I love it!

You’ll find some antique shopping around town too!

And Gibsons Public Art Gallery!  

Right now they have a lovely exhibition called White Noise by Jill Pilon

We are very excited about the new development that is starting to be built.  A hotel, residences and a massive wellness center!  YES!  Plus 3 new restaurants.  

Next time you are looking for a summer vacay... consider Gibsons.

Nutella Meringues

During the summer I spend a number of dreamy days at our family cottage.  There are no stores here so we plan out every meal and bring up the groceries.  Meal planning... what a novel idea!!  I bring up the supplies for many of the recipes Ive been pinning during the year.  This is one that I have to share.  This is actually how the meringues turned out!  These pictures are not modified to make you feel like a failure when yours are not nearly as pretty.  If I can do it, you too can do it!

I found this recipe on sweetestmenu.  The only adjustment I made was to warm the Nutella for 20 seconds in the microwave to soften it.

And there you have it folks!  If you love meringues and you love Nutella... well, who doesn't love Nutella....  You must make these meringues.  You can find the recipe here.