Since we have little ones now,  I've done something I never thought I'd do - I converted our dining room (which we actually used) to a playroom! Crazy, I know. I am an interior design wannabe with a wannabe minor in decorating.

Our home is full of Haitian art in all different forms like paintings, sculptures, statues, papier mache, woven materials and mosaics. Since I had so much of the Haitian decor already, I figured why not create a Haiti inspired playroom! 

First thing first, I had my husband raise the gigantic chandelier so adults would stop bumping their heads on it. Some of the Haitian paintings were already hung so that made the wall decor easy. Check out our unique Haitian paintings for sale here.

​These paintings were done by my husband's cousin in Haiti. The one in the green frame was painted on a burlap sak and glued to a hard cardboard material. The frame is actually one that I found in the garbage! It was originally gold and had an ugly horse painting in it. Thankfully the Haitian painting was the exact same size! (fun fact - I love repurposing things and thrifting...it's one of my favorite things to do!) ​

Playroom Inspiration
If you're tired of stepping on legos and tripping over trucks, try dedicating a corner (or a room if you have the space) for the toys to make a playroom or play area. It's nice to have the toys in one area so that we could have our living room back. I have a playroom board on Pinterest where I got my inspiration! Check it out here.

Other Fun Haiti Inspired Things in Our Playroom
​Add this short story book to your collection! It was written and designed by me :) 

Mermaid Violette is madly in love. Her friends -- a crab, fish, dolphin, jellyfish and shrimp, all wonder who Violette loves so much and can't live without. Read the book to find out who the lucky one is!
The story is written in English. Bonus pages of sea creatures in English and Haitian Creole!

Add these customizable wall art prints to your little one's room or playroom! Designed by me :) 

I plan to do more blogs about Haiti inspired rooms and home decor so stay tuned! ​Thanks for stopping by!

Haitian Heritage Celebration & Unveiling of the Haitian Cultural Collection! Lantana Road Branch
Sat, May 13, 2:00 pm
Beloved Haitian author Jessica Fièvre will discuss her experiences as a writer. Enjoy a festive afternoon with dance performances by Dayana Dolne and more. Event offered in English and Creole. (90 min.) Preregister.

Haitian Heritage Month Film Lantana Road Branch
Thu, May 18, 2:00 pm
"Deported." ©Third World Newsreel. (72 min.) Follow the plight of Haitian criminal deportees from North America. Shown with permission. Not rated. Preregister.

Haitian Heritage Month Film Lantana Road Branch
Thu, May 18, 6:00 pm
"Deported." ©Third World Newsreel. (72 min.) Follow the plight of Haitian criminal deportees from North America. Shown with permission. Not rated. Preregister.

Celebrate Haitian Heritage Book Festival Main Library
Sat, May 20, 2:00 pm
Meet the winners of the School District of PBC Haitian Heritage Month essay contest. Join host, Bito David for a celebration of Haitian authors and literature. Featured authors include: Regine Coicou Stewart, Diane Allerdyce, Dovilas Anderson, Margaret Papillon, and others. Program offered in English and Creole. (2 hr.) Preregister.

Haitian Canvas Painting Lantana Road Branch
Thu, May 25, 5:00 pm
Paint a scene reminiscent of the beauty of Hispaniola to celebrate the rich culture of Haiti. Limit 24. (2 hr.) Preregister.

Coloring Club: Haitian Heritage Month Edition Lantana Road Branch
Fri, May 26, 2:00 pm
Coloring is not just for children! This fun activity fosters creativity and has stress-relieving benefits. (90 min.) Preregister.

Haitian, Am I: An Exhibition of Arts Lantana Road Branch
Sat, May 27, 12:00 pm
Exhibit Treal celebrates Haitian Heritage with the arts of the newest generation of Haitian artists. (4 hr.) Preregister.

Haitian Heritage Month: Book Discussion Lantana Road Branch
Tue, May 30, 2:00 pm
"The Farming of Bones," by Edwidge Danticat. Copies are available at the research services desk. (60 min.) Preregister.

Children's Classes & Events
Haitian Heritage Month: Interactive StorytellingBelle Glade Branch
Wed, May 17, 10:30 am
The Louines Louinis Haitian Dance Theater, Inc. presents "Dance-A-Story," a performance of traditional Haitian tales with audience participation, drums, dance and rhymes. All ages. (45 min.) Preregister.

Tales & Riddles From HaitiBelle Glade Branch
Sat, May 20, 1:30 pm
Telling stories around the fire is an important part of Haitian culture. Join us for a series of oral Haitian wisdom, proverbs, jokes, riddles and stories. All ages. (45 min.) Preregister.

Haitian Craft! Lantana Road Branch
Sat, May 20, 3:30 pm
Create a colorful Haitian Drapo sequin flag. Ages 5 & up. (60 min.) Preregister.

Teen Classes & Events
Haitian Heritage Month: Teen Book Discussion Belle Glade Branch
Tue, May 16, 10:30 am
“Untwine,” by Edwidge Danticat. Guest speaker: Lana St. Hilaire from the School District of PBC Multicultural Department. Copies are available at the children's desk. Grades 6 & up. (60 min.) Preregister.

​Haitian Heritage Month: Teen Book Discussion Belle Glade Branch
Tue, May 16, 4:00 pm
“Untwine,” by Edwidge Danticat. Guest speaker: Lana St. Hilaire from the School District of PBC Multicultural Department. Copies are available at the children's desk. Grades 6 & up. (60 min.) Preregister.

​Library website for more info and pre-registration.

Some think it's a shithole, others know it's not!These absolutely stunning photos were shot in northern Haiti by Photographer Hunter Kittrell. Thank you so much for sharing with us for our blog. 

He is doing a phenomenal job on showing the other side of Haiti. Beautiful work!

Please follow Hunter on Instagram at hunter.kittrell.
His website is http://www.hunterkittrellphoto.com. 

I don't tell hotels that I am there to review their property when I reserve the room and check in. I was so excited to be in my favorite city in Haiti: Jacmel.

The prices on their website are confusing and that led to a big misunderstanding when we arrived. We ended up paying more than we thought based on Internet prices so before you book, just clarify that with them. Because of the hiccup, we moved rooms twice in 3 nights, which was fine because they were trying to be accommodating. The rooms are basic and decorated with Haitian decor...nothing special. {the manager ended up showing us nicer bungalow style rooms when we were checking out, so that's a better option if you want something more modern.} Overall, our stay was good and I was happy they tried to accommodate us after we had the issues in the beginning.

Tip: to save on power, the hotel shuts off the electricity for a few hours in the morning and then in the afternoon. It's pretty inconvenient. I under

stand doing that at home, but it was tacky for the hotel to do it.

The food is okay, but way cheaper outside of the hotel.

Here's a link to their website:

http://hotelcyvadier.com/home/

For the second year in a row, the Tyrone Bryant Library in Ft. Lauderdale, FL invited us to display Haitian photography and artifacts that we have collected. This year, we were asked to do an activity with children as part as our education for Haitian culture. Of course, we said yes! The event was story time with kids and a kite making workshop - Endy's favorite memory as a child in Haiti.

We weren't sure how the kids would react, especially since it's a pretty tedious craft. I was given a stack of books to choose from to read to the kids. As I went through them to choose one, they were either long and boring, full of "facts" or they were completely untrue and negative information about Haiti} earthquake, poverty, illness, etc}. This was not the cultural education that I wanted to share with the kids. So, I chose a book with nice pictures and ad-libbed it through story time, providing my own knowledge and asking the kids about their views of Haiti. 

I asked the kids to raise their hands if they are Haitian. About 10 did, but I couldn't help but notice a teenager smiling without raising her hand. I knew she was Haitian. She didn't want to admit it, though, which of course I called her out on and told her she should be PROUD. She was shy, pretending she wasn't Haitian. When we started the kites, she sped ahead of everyone and was almost done with hers by the time we were all on step 2. She started to help the other little kids. 

A few of the little kids knew a lot about Haiti. They said Haitians are creative, there are snakes there, there's sand there, they eat griot and rice and they use goude for money. This all made us very happy, but I am so glad we did this activity with our local community because it just motivates me more to write my own book so we can share it with those who know little or nothing. 

I am putting it out there again, so I am held accountable, to provide a book for kids that they will feel proud to be Haitian at the end of it. Or, they will know about the real CULTURE in Haiti, not the one the news tells us about {voodoo, stealing, violence}. 

Thank you so much for donating to the Art Creation Foundation for Children fundraiser that we hosted on May 4. The event was a blast and we raised $994 thanks to you. We have sent off the money to ACFFC! If you have a moment, please check their website if you haven't already: http://www.acffcjacmelhaiti.com.

MESI ANPIL!!!

It was a pleasure for us to meet all of the people who stopped by our tent at Taste of Haiti! Endy and I are grateful for your support! 

We were selling jewelry at the event this year, but we are most grateful for the interaction with you all! The Real Haiti is about empowering each other, not competing or getting rich. Knowing that we are responsible for reigniting your fire for your love for Haiti is the most rewarding part.

Thank you everyone for your support and love. We continue this empire to keep inspiring you! …and our hopes and dreams for Haiti! 

Mesi anpil! 
With love,
Diana & Endy

We shared a table with Ginen Creations by Sophie pictured below. Special thanks to our sister in law Martine for her help! 

This last trip we took to Haiti, I naturally pulled out my camera right away and started shooting pics of our adorable little cousins. After that, I decided I didn't want to use my camera on this trip. Being a photographer, this is one of the hardest things to do. I often find myself missing moments or avoiding things because of my camera. So, I packed it up and just used my phone camera and my photographic memory, ultimately living in the moment. 
{I apologize in advanced for the quality since they are from my phone!}

Carnaval
I am not a Carnaval person, at all! I had never been and never really planned on going to it. I didn't realize that there would still be action going on in Jacmel during the time of the national Carnaval in Gonaives. Overall, I am happy I got to experience it…it was crazy! What an amazing experience to see and appreciate the art.

Camionette
I know, I know…how do you know The Real Haiti without riding on a camionette? Well, this is my confession: After traveling to Haiti for so many years, I had my first camionette ride! We were walking down the street in Jacmel with a friend without any destination in mind. Endy said to me, do you want to jump on and just ride downtown? So, we did. We got on and rode downtown for about 20 minutes with people jumping on and off. For those of you who don't know what a camionette is, it's a pickup truck with benches on the back and a roof. You jump on and then tap the glass by the driver when you're ready to get off. Then you get off and pay the guy in the passenger seat. It's super cheap and fun to be with the locals. I always wonder where everyone is always going. Everyone is always so busy in Haiti!