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In the past few years, D2D has provided water wells, invested in education, planted gardens, empowered women with micro-enterprise, helped keep girls in school, and other vital projects. For more project photos, click here.
In addition to visiting these projects, we chose a new, compelling issue to tackle on this trip: the woeful lack of feminine hygiene education and products available to girls and women. Our research uncovered a shocking, hidden problem - up to 23% of girls drop out of school due to a lack of sanitary wear, either due to unaffordability or unavailability. We decided to tackle this problem from two sides. First, an amazing group of ladies in Kelowna got to work, sewing washable, reusable sanitary pad kits. Thanks to their hard work, we were able to take 340 kits to distribute, accompanied by much-needed education on feminine reproduction and hygiene. Some of the women, even many who were married and had children, had no idea of the purpose of their periods, their reproductive systems, or how it all worked.
Destitute to Destiny founder, Carol Jones
Secondly, our generous donors provided the funds for us to purchase and disburse 41 sewing machines - enabling 41 women to start sewing to support their families, and provide sanitary pad kits to their own market. The women would make payments for the machines into a co-op, with the funds to be used to purchase more machines, creating a perpetual project. Linda Hayes, a professional seamstress from Kelowna, taught the women how to sew the sanitary pads and liners. Everyone loved her humorous style of teaching!
We even did one workshop by lantern, and then cell phone light after the power went off! Thankfully, most of the sewing machines could be used both with electricity AND treadle. The power goes off regularly in India, sometimes several times a day, and you never know when it will come back on.
Our team of three - Carol, Linda, and myself, travelled throughout India, teaching seven workshops in five areas. It was quite the adventure - shopping for fabric in torrential rain; many hours of travel by train, plane, car, and subway; teaching with or without electricity; and surviving the traffic chaos. So many precious people! We're hoping we made their lives a tiny bit better!
For more photos of this project, and the workshops, click here.
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If your charity needs photos to promote your cause to your donors, click on Contact and send me a message! I'd love to photograph your projects!
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Amenities in this high-security, luxury building include a pool, two hot tubs, BBQ, yoga and fitness rooms, putting room, large fireside great room with library, bar and billiards lounge, covered deck, heated underground parking and storage.
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| Living room and dining area with a queen size hide-a-bed in a gorgeous turquoise. An ottoman holds the pillows and quilt, and does double duty as a coffee table and a comfy footrest. The vintage arm chair has been painted black and reupholstered. | ||||
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| Pale gray walls provide a neutral backdrop for the lime green dining chairs and the pink desk. | ||||
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| Sleek, white, gloss cabinets and closet hide a microwave, a hot plate, dishes and cooking utensils. | ||||
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| Roomy bedroom with a white gloss dresser and closet. Ocean blue accent wall frames the headboard and night tables with simple white lamps. | ||||
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Cute bathroom with a vessel sink and large modern faucet. Walk-in tiled shower is not shown.
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| I'm sure this client will spend many happy hours creating her quilts in this cozy space! |
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| Staggered old-school lights run down the center of the store |
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| Striking black and red logo and glossy tiles contrast with the wide-plank wood floors and working juke box |
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| Innovative use of wooden pallets |
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| Vintage bar as a sampling counter |
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| Visit Public Liquor by the Four Points Sheraton Hotel across from the airport, specializing in local wines and craft beers. |
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MS Budd Construction renovated the office space; PS Interiors designed the space; Begrand Fast Interior Design designed the glass walls; and Clarice Maidment of Home Image Interiors designed the cabinetry, which was built by Innovative Cabinets.
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Golf, anyone?
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Entering from the hallway, a deep white round vessel sink sits atop the custom concrete-clad, floating, curved counter. Under the counter is lit at night for those midnight forays. The large, curved walk-in shower is tiled floor to top with square, white tiles (as seen reflected in the mirror), with both a rain head, and an adjustable shower head. On the right are double cupboards and drawers, to hid away all the bathroom paraphernalia. Ceiling pot lights, and white glass light fixture over the sink provide plenty of light.
The view from the shower entrance shows the tall custom curved linen closet.
A countertop - to- ceiling mirror reflects the decorative niches above the toilet. The chrome faucet, tap, and light fixture are all mounted onto the mirror for a clean, modern look.
This space started off as a standard beige 40-year-old bathroom that you've seen in a multitude of homes - a counter top running down the right side with a toilet at the end, and a bathtub with those horrid glass sliding doors on the left. The homeowners cleared it out to the drywall and created this stunning, upscale bathroom. Not at all cave-like!
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Gorgeous herring-bone design hardwood floors and soaring 18' high ceilings with massive windows all the way up! The gas fireplace is open to both the living room and the dining room of this open concept home.
Large family-style kitchen with honey maple cabinets opening right out to the pool! Unique diagonal-patterned tile flooring.
Look at the craftsmanship on the stair flooring detail!
Perfect quiet reading nook or playroom or office space upstairs. Door leads out to a covered deck boasting a timber pergola. Note the unique diagonal pattern is repeated on the ceiling!
Here's one of the four full bathrooms, with the same unique tile design detail.
Master bedroom has it's own private balcony overlooking the pool and the garden, a four piece ensuite, and a gas fireplace for those romantic winter evenings.
And here's the pool! Extensive brickwork, stonework and landscaping make this backyard a luxury retreat! (This photo was contributed by Realtor Shawn Worsfold)
For full details on this beautiful 6 bedroom, 4 bathroom home with a huge family room, further information including more of the realtor's photos, and his contact information, click here. Happy floating!
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Vote for your favorite in the comments below!
Country - This cozy bedroom is a guest room at Lindon House, designed by Suzanne Petti.
Contemporary - Master bedroom beautiful modern design by Niina Di Lorenzo
Elegant - Master bedroom at the Fawdry Show Home in Wilden. Designed by Janice Fawdry.
Sexy - Master suite and furniture design by Dawn Meier, construction by Chief Stone Construction Ltd. Abstract art by Dawn Meier
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Sid Molenaar of Integrity Services (Project Management) and Suzanne Petti (Interior Designer) did a fabulous job bringing to life the vision Don and Linda had for Lindon House. Available for parties, weddings, corporate events, concerts or intimate gatherings - you will not find more gracious hospitality anywhere! To view more photos of Lindon House, click here.
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The yellows, greens and aquas in this art piece remind me of a summer day; my favourite kind of day, with sunshine, trees and water. I had taken a photograph of a cool store in Vegas that had turquoise shelves against a yellow wall, with purses displayed on the shelves. I loved the colours, and after some playing around the shoe store photo turned into Summer Wind!
Original art by Dawn Meier. Summer wind is printed on metallic paper, face-mounted on acrylic and floated on the wall. To view or purchase Summer Wind visit www.dawnwerx.com
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This beautiful counter, and all the custom display cabinetry, was built by Innovative Cabinetry.
Appropriately, the countertop is made from recycled glass
Here's the cool copper-pot still
Stop by for a tour and a tasting! It's even legal!
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Printed on metallic paper, face-mounted to acrylic and floated off the wall. Original art by Dawn Meier. To view or purchase Phantom Geyser Blue or Red, or to see other pieces, visit www.dawnwerx.com
I LOOOVE this sleek sectional sofa with the classic Mies Van der Rohe chair. The home owners found the artwork while on vacation in South America and had it removed from the stretcher bars so it could be rolled up and brought home on the plane. I also love the clean no-baseboard drywall method used on the walls, and of course the row of windows running down the entire back of the house. Beside the living room is the bedroom, with the same stunning view. I could have spent all day shooting this great home!
Kitchen and bathroom design by Clarice Maidment of Home Image Interiors, and impeccable woodwork by Innovative Cabinets.
This kitchen has custom cabinets built for everything (garbage, recycling, pots and pans, small appliances, dishes), a wine cooler, a TV for the cook, and a really great sliding barn door hiding the pantry, the laundry room and the garage entry.
Note the clever corner drawers!
Amazing light floods the entire home
And here it is - the prune factory! This gorgeous deep tub has a built-in headrest, perfect for reading or just gazing out over the lake. This tub (and the heated towel racks) could definitely change me from a shower person to a bath person!
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This is a pretty little house, newly renovated, that I photographed in San Francisco. My art piece, "Meadow Pond", complements the restful tones in the room, contributing to the tranquil, sunny mood.
Photo under acrylic. Original art work by Dawn Meier. If you would like to view or purchase "Meadow Pond", click here.
Other available art work at www.dawnwerx.com
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Tamara Jones of Forme Interior Design Inc. did a masterful job of creating a bright and welcoming yet professional and functional workspace. Who says legal firms need to be stuffy? I love the pops of blue and the colourful artwork by area artists.
The natural wood and coloured glass walls throughout the space provide a fresh, modern vibe
This massive board room table was made locally
The large sliding glass wall can open or close to the office beyond the board room
The staff room with a cheerful, definitely un-serious blue - I want that glass backsplash in my kitchen!
Every floor has a mini kitchen for coffee and snacks
Not surprisingly, there are a LOT of books (which the interns also tidied up)
Books everywhere! Don't these look like they would be entertaining reading?
The coveted corner office. Unfortunately, it was a grey winter day when we shot. I can't imagine how anyone would get any work done on a sunny day!
And not a file in sight! Thanks, interns!
]]>"Pink Martini" echoes the red, black and orange in the room, and adds some shocking pink for flair.
All the custom cabinetry was designed by the talented Clarice Maidment of Home Image Interiors, and executed to perfection by Innovative Cabinetry. MS Budd Construction's whole home renovation totally transformed this space. And the millwork for the dogs? Scroll down to see!
This beautiful home has an amazing view of Okanagan Lake
Upper Mission HomeContemporary Home in Upper Mission
Innovative design on the glass cabinet doors
On the right is a built-in seat with storage drawers underneath...and at the left you get a peek at the adjoining prep kitchen
View from the prep kitchen looking into the public kitchen on the right
The prep kitchen also has a desk area to keep paperwork out-of-sight
And where is the fridge?
The fridge is behind these custom doors
A pretty spot to get yourself ready to face your adoring public
Family room with custom TV wall and original art by Dawn Meier "Spring Glimpse"
Family room with a custom TV and fireplace wall. Original art by Dawn Meier "Spring Glimpse" displayed
Clever storage added under window seat
Mud room...and what are those cupboards with the mesh fronts under the bench?
Doggy crates! The homeowner was tired of having big ugly crates in her mud room - designer Clarice Maidment came up with this stylish solution. And there you have it - custom millwork even for the dogs!
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You may be surprised to find out that this clean, modern space is owned by a single man in his late 70's! He asked me to photograph him on his motorcycle before I shot the house, then he went for a little roar down his street (no helmet!)(scroll down to see the photo). What an interesting guy! He regaled me with all kinds of interesting tidbits about his life while I tried to work - good thing I wasn't on a tight timeline that day.
